Sleep Apnea Associated with Eye Disorders. Floppy Eyelid Syndrome, Optic Neuropathy, Glaucoma, Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Papilledema Secondary to Raised Intracranial Pressure.

We have heard of otorhinolaryngologists who treat patients with Sleep Apnea also checking for hearing disorders.

Should patients presenting with ocular disorders such as Floppy Eye Syndrome be routinely referred to Sleep Physicians for investigation and treatment of Sleep Apnea?

And should otorhinolaryngologists and other physicians who treat Sleep Disorders routinely refer Sleep Apnea patients to ophthalmologists?

A A McNab of the Orbital Plastic and Lacrimal Clinic, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in East Melbourne, Australia, has written a review of eye disorders associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

    “OSA is associated with a number of eye disorders including floppy eyelid syndrome (FES), optic neuropathy, glaucoma, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and papilledema secondary to raised intracranial pressure. FES patients have a very high incidence of OSA and a causal relationship may exist, but amongst patients with OSA, FES is uncommon but commoner than in the general population. Treatment of OSA may help floppy eyelid syndrome, halt progression of associated glaucoma or optic neuropathy, and reduce intracranial pressure in patients with associated papilledema. Sleep apnea patients should be asked about ocular symptoms and appropriately examined or referred for assessment as some of the associated eye disorders may permanently impair vision. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association of sleep apnea with these eye disorders and consider referral to a sleep physician for investigation and possible treatment.”1

If Sleep Apnea may be associated with Floppy Eyelids; then is there any possibility that Sleep Apnea may affect LASIK flaps?
(1) McNab AA: The eye and sleep apnea. Sleep Med Rev. 2007 Aug;11(4):269-76.

This is unbelievable. I asked my opthamologist several times if the pre glaucoma condition I have could in any way be related to sleep apnea and he assured me each time the there is no connection. Let this be a warning to all to do your own research!!!