Sleep apnea and glaucoma – two conditions that seem unrelated at first glance. But current findings in ophthalmology (eye medicine) show a clear connection.
Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea have a significantly increased risk of developing glaucoma (green star).
In this article, we summarise what patients should know, what to look for, and how early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications.
Glaucoma, colloquially known as “green star”, is a chronic eye disease that causes gradual damage to the optic nerve.
The main cause is often an increase in eye pressure, medically referred to as intraocular pressure.
However, even with normal pressure — as in normal-tension glaucoma — damage can occur, especially if the optic nerve’s blood supply is impaired.
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent visual field defects, vision loss, and ultimately blindness.
Since the disease often causes no pain and can go unnoticed for years, regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist are essential.
Sleep apnea, in particular the sleep apnea syndrome with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a common disorder characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep. The airways become blocked by relaxed tissue.
The result: oxygen deficiency, restless sleep, daytime drowsiness, high blood pressure, and oxidative stress.
It is estimated that millions of people in Germany are affected, many of them undiagnosed.
Numerous studies show that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a significantly higher risk of glaucoma — even without elevated intraocular pressure.
Why? During pauses in breathing, the oxygen level in the blood drops, disrupting the blood supply to sensitive tissues such as the optic nerve.
Repeated hypoxia impairs neurons and promotes inflammatory processes – exacerbated by oxidative stress.
In addition, fluctuations in intraocular pressure can occur during sleep — triggered by drops in blood pressure, changes in body position, and increased respiratory effort.
These pressure changes often go unnoticed but can contribute to optic nerve damage over time.
Impaired vascular regulation in sleep apnea also leads to inadequate oxygenation of the optic nerve head.
The combination of pressure fluctuations, poor circulation, and inflammatory processes significantly increases the risk of normal-tension (normal-pressure) glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma.
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you should have regular eye examinations, especially if you have additional risk factors such as a family history, high blood pressure, or already impaired vision.
If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep screening or an examination at a sleep laboratory is recommended. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is then measured.
CPAP therapy is the established treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It uses a mask to deliver a continuous flow of air at night to keep the airways open.
Studies show that CPAP can not only reduce strain on the cardiovascular system, but can also stabilize intraocular pressure — a major advantage for glaucoma patients.
There are also numerous options available for glaucoma therapy:
Early intervention for sleep apnea and glaucoma protects not only your heart over the long term, but also your visual acuity.
Bányai Augenheilkunde specializes in ophthalmic diagnostics. We offer a comprehensive program for early detection, individualized risk analysis, and holistic care – for your best possible vision.
Yes. There is a significantly increased risk of glaucoma, especially in obstructive sleep apnea This is due to circulatory disorders and fluctuations in intraocular pressure.
Early detection is recommended, especially if symptoms are present or there is a family history. The combination of pauses in breathing and pressure fluctuations requires close monitoring.
Yes. The so-called normal-tension glaucoma often occurs in association with circulatory disorders such as sleep apnea.
CPAP can help stabilize intraocular pressure and thus contribute to glaucoma treatment. Close coordination between the ophthalmologist and the sleep specialist is important.
Have sleep apnea evaluated, watch for symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness, and schedule regular appointments with an ophthalmologist to monitor intraocular pressure, the optic nerve and the visual field.
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