Can Treating Sleep Apnea Help Protect Against Vision Loss?
New research suggests a link between moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an increased risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
The finding, published in Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, supports the idea that nocturnal hypoxia, a drop in blood oxygen levels during sleep, may contribute toAMD progression.
"Like AMD, sleep apnea mainly affects people over the age of 50, and many people don’t realize they have it," says Dr. Carla Abbott, a researcher at the Centre for Eye Research Australia. "If this association is validated, it may be worthwhile asking people with high-risk early stages of AMD if they have symptoms suggesting OSA, as treating OSA might potentially reduce the risk of developing wet AMD."
The research focused on 225 individuals over 50 with varying stages of AMD. Participants wore at-home finger oximeters for three nights to track blood oxygen levels, allowing researchers to categorize severity of OSA.
The results showed a significantly increased risk of wet AMD in participants with moderate-to-severe invasion, which occurs when the airway repeatedly becomes partially blocked during sleep. This type of OSA unhealthy drops in blood oxygen levels overnight.
While it’s known that a lack of oxygen can affect various aspects of health over time. The retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, is exceptionally susceptible to even slight drops in oxygen.
"The retina is highly active at night—it has its highest need for energy while recovering from the day," explains Dr. Abbott.
Many individuals diagnosed with OSA use a CPAP machine that aids breathing during sleep. The researchers highlight that "untreated OSA could contribute to AMD risk."
Researchers emphasize a larger study is needed to further clarify the association. This could open the door to exploring whether treating OSA could slow or prevent wet AMD progression.
What are the potential benefits of managing sleep apnea for eye health?
## Can Treating Sleep Apnea Help Protect Against Vision Loss?
**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr. Alex Reed, an ophthalmologist specializing in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dr. Alex Reed, can you tell us about this new research linking OSA and AMD?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This study published in *Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology* highlights a concerning connection. It suggests that people with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of developing wet AMD, a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
**Host:** How does OSA, a breathing disorder, relate to eye health?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** OSA causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. This leads to drops in blood oxygen levels and puts strain on the cardiovascular system.
Research suggests [1](https://www.raleighop.com/how-does-sleep-apnea-affect-the-eyes/) that these oxygen dips can damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This nerve damage can, in turn, contribute to AMD development.
**Host:** That’s alarming. Does this mean treating OSA could help protect against vision loss?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** It certainly shows promise. While more research is needed, addressing OSA through methods like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy might help mitigate the risk of developing wet AMD.
By improving breathing and oxygen levels during sleep, we could potentially protect the delicate blood vessels in the eye and reduce the strain on the optic nerve.
**Host:** So, what’s the key takeaway for our viewers?
**Dr. Alex Reed:** If you have OSA, it’s crucial to manage it effectively. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options and regular eye exams. Early detection and intervention for both OSA and AMD are vital for preserving your vision.
