Sleep apnea often comes with a mixture of alarming symptoms—chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and occasional gasping for breath. But did you know that this sleep disorder could relate to another crucial health aspect—your eyesight? Sleep apnea and eyesight are connected, and understanding their relationship becomes crucial for ensuring overall well-being.
The Science Behind Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur up to 30 times within an hour. At Bend Headache Center, we prioritize spreading awareness about sleep apnea because it’s a prevalent yet undiagnosed problem.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA, the most common form of sleep apnea, involves the throat muscles collapsing during sleep. This leads to blocked airways, resulting in breathing cessation and reduced oxygen levels—a condition Bend Headache Center excels at managing.
Sleep Apnea and Eyesight: The Unknown Connection
Research shows a correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and several eye conditions. Here are the key eye conditions tied with sleep apnea:
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions causing damage to the optic nerve, typically due to increased pressure in the eye. Studies confirm a mutual relationship between OSA and glaucoma.
- Floppy Eyelid Syndrome: Characterized by loose, flexible upper eyelids, this syndrome often associates with sleep apnea.
- Retinal Conditions: OSA could increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion and background retinopathy—conditions that cause vision loss.
- Papilledema: An optic nerve condition caused by increased pressure in the skull, noticed more commonly in sleep apnea patients.
How the Bend Headache Center Helps
Providing drug-free solutions, we at Bend Headache Center help individuals manage both sleep apnea and TMJD conditions. Realizing the connection between sleep apnea and eyesight, our team tailors our approach to address your specific needs—focusing not just on mitigating symptoms but also improving your quality of life.
Non-Surgical, CPAP-free Therapies
Our treatments prioritize comfort, freeing you from the discomforts of traditional CPAP masks. Our therapies focus on addressing the root cause of sleep apnea, offering long-lasting benefits for your sleep and overall health.
Seeking help as early as possible, especially in interconnected conditions like sleep apnea and eyesight issues, can mitigate the possibilities of severe health complications. As our patient at Bend Headache Center, your wellbeing is our utmost priority.
