Eye Conditions Linked with Obstructive S... ( ROCHESTER Minn. Nov. 10 -- If a ...)

Eye Conditions Linked with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Date:11/10/2008

ROCHESTER, Minn., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If a good night's sleep helps the brain and body perform better, it's a good guess that sleep problems can cause more than just fatigue. Numerous studies have shown a connection between sleep disorders and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, including the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus. In the November issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers outline several interesting associations between sleep disorders and eye disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea and eye disorders

More than 12 million people in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea -- a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Sleep apnea has several types. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Multiple studies have identified OSA as an independent risk factor for the development of several medical conditions, including high blood pressure, which are related to impairments or alterations in a person's vascular (circulatory) system. With their own complex and sensitive vascular system, the eyes can sometimes signal and be affected by systemic vascular problems.

"Given the vascular consequences of OSA, it is not surprising that ophthalmologic manifestations exist," explains the article's lead author, E. Andrew Waller, M.D., a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist and sleep specialist.

The researchers conducted a literature search focused on sleep disorders and eye disease. In the article, they discuss a variety of ophthalmologic conditions associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Highlighted below are a few findings.

* Floppy eyelid syndrome: This disorder causes eyelids to evert (turn inside-out) spontaneously during sleep, resulting in excessive watering, stickiness, discomfort and blurred vision. While no
'/>"/>

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. Nations Economic Downturn Threatens Continuity of Care for Chronic Conditions
2. Avidas Pharmaceuticals Signs Agreement to Acquire North American Rights to Products That Address Chronic Dermatologic Conditions
3. DogChannel.com Launches Online Guide to Dog Medical Conditions
4. Red Cross Advises Evacuees to Stay Put Until Conditions Are Safe
5. First Major Medical Meeting Convening for MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound to Treat Cancer, Stroke, Fibroids, Other Conditions
6. Caregivers at 8 Bay Area Nursing Homes Protest Unsafe Resident Conditions in Salinas
7. Caregivers at 8 Bay Area Nursing Homes Protest Unsafe Resident Conditions in Fremont
8. Binge drinking tied to conditions in the college environment
9. Online NHS Health Guides for Long-Term Conditions Released on NHS Choices
10. Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Improve Conditions at a Nebraska Developmental Center
11. Independence Blue Cross Waives Copays for Generics Used to Treat Certain Chronic Conditions

Post Your Comments:

Eye Conditions Linked with Obstructive S...( ROCHESTER Minn. Nov. 10 -- If a ...),Health