Could Your Eye Doctor Diagnose Sleep Apnea? Part 2

Did you know that sleep apnea can actually aggravate many different eye conditions?

Most people are well aware of the fact that sleep apnea affects them while they sleep, but not many people realize that it can actually complicate many eye conditions. At CPAP Liquidators, we proudly offer the best used BiPAP and CPAP machines on the market, but we are also dedicated to informing you about sleep apnea. Check out our last blog to learn about the ocular conditions we’ve covered, and keep reading to learn more:

Papilledema (Optic Disc Swelling)

Papilledema is associated with increased blood flow and random pressure around the brain. People with sleep apnea experience an increase in carbon dioxide concentrations that can increase the pressure due to dilated blood vessels. This leads to swelling in the optic disc. Luckily, studies have shown that CPAP therapy can help to resolve or improve papilledema.

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

This condition is associated with a loss of blood flow in the optic nerve. Although the condition is painless, it usually leads to the loss of vision in one eye, and 75 percent of NAION patients experience the loss of vision when they wake up. Around 71 percent of people with NAION also have sleep apnea, and sleep apnea patients who don’t comply with CPAP treatment have a higher risk for developing NAION in a second eye.

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

RVO leads to more vision loss than any other cause apart from diabetic retinopathy, and it is a blockage in the vein that supplies the retina with oxygen and blood. Sleep apnea is commonly associated with RVO, and it is considered to be a risk factor for developing RVO.

As you can see, compliance with your sleep apnea therapy is incredibly important. Shop with us to get the CPAP and BiPAP equipment you need.