They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and being able to see is truly one of the most amazing experiences in life. But what happens when your sleep apnea puts your sight at risk? Recent studies have found dangerous links between this increasingly common sleep disorder and vision problems that could lead to blindness. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from the effects of untreated sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes a person to frequently stop breathing throughout the night for ten seconds or more. Not only does it create dangerous disruptions in the sleep cycle, but it also increases the risk of strain on the cardiovascular system, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and vision changes that could cause blindness.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Vision?
There are many ways that sleep apnea could affect your eyesight. Recent studies have shown that people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are about ten times more likely to develop glaucoma than those without OSA. This link is believed to be caused by the drop in oxygen levels in the blood which occurs when you stop breathing during the night. This decreased concentration of oxygen could contribute to the degradation of the optic nerve, which could eventually lead to glaucoma.
Another common risk is a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which happens when the blood vessels in the eyes become damaged. If left untreated, it can develop into macular edema, a dangerous fluid buildup in the retina which can cause serious damage including vision loss.
How Can I Protect My Vision?
The great news about sleep disorders such as sleep apnea is that treatment options do exist. Getting a good night’s sleep can help keep your body functioning optimally and reduce your risk of developing many dangerous conditions like vision loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also protect against the worsening of some of the effects of these conditions. To treat sleep apnea, your dentist has options available such as oral appliances that can be customized to fit your mouth comfortably and without the need for forced air, awkward masks, and hard-to-clean tubing.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, don’t let frustrating treatment options hold you back from living a healthy life. Speak to your dentist today about an oral sleep appliance and protecting your eye and full-body health for a lifetime.
About Our Practice
At Go to Sleep Center, we’re committed to helping you get a healthy, restful night’s sleep. Don’t let untreated sleep apnea rob you of another important moment. Schedule an appointment with us today and learn more about how a custom sleep appliance can help you get the rest you deserve while protecting your body from dangerous changes in your eyes. To make an appointment for sleep apnea treatment, visit our website for the location nearest you, or call us at 623-301-8859.
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