You may have already heard that leaving sleep apnea untreated can cause a variety of dangerous problems, namely high blood pressure and an increased risk of things like stroke and cardiovascular issues. But did you know that it can also put your eyesight at risk? Here’s a closer look at some of the ways this sleep disorder could be harming your vision, and what you can do to stop it.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which causes you to stop and restart breathing repeatedly throughout the night. Known as apneas, these bursts typically last ten seconds or more, causing dangerous disruptions in your sleep cycle and increasing the strain on your cardiovascular system. If left untreated, it can also cause vision changes that may eventually lead to blindness.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Vision
Sleep apnea can affect your vision in several ways. In fact, recent studies have found that people who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are roughly ten times more likely to develop glaucoma than those who do not have it. This is likely due to the drop in oxygen levels in the blood that occurs when your breathing stops during an apnea episode. This could cause the optic nerve to degrade, eventually leading to glaucoma.
Another vision issue associated with sleep apnea is diabetic retinopathy, which can occur when the blood vessels in the eyes become damaged. If left untreated this could turn into a condition known as macular edema, a dangerous buildup of fluid in the retina which can result in vision loss.
How to Protect Your Eyesight from Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from sleep apnea, treating this condition is the best way to protect your eyes from the above conditions. If you’ve struggled with CPAP therapy in the past, your dentist offers solutions that can help you get the rest you need without the use of complicated and uncomfortable equipment. A custom-made oral appliance can help position your airway open manually. This personalized solution is quieter, easier to clean, and fits discreetly in your mouth while you sleep. Most patients find it much more comfortable to use than CPAP, and as a result use it more frequently.
Don’t put your eye and overall health at risk of the dangerous side effects of untreated sleep apnea. Speak to your dentist today about oral appliance therapy and get the rest you deserve to live a healthy life.
About Dr. Ghandi
Dr. Khushboo Ghandi began her dental education in India, where she earned her dental degree in 2006 and worked as a dentist while continuing her education in oral diagnosis and pathology. When she relocated to Murphy in 2009, she first worked as a dental assistant before returning to school in 2011 at the Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Following graduation, she returned to Murphy, where she is proud to practice dentistry full time and keep current on her dental education at Baylor College of Dentistry and Spear Education. To schedule an appointment with Murphy Dental Home for sleep apnea treatment, visit our website or call us today at 972-532-6506.