{"id":1613,"date":"2024-02-16T14:45:31","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T14:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=1613"},"modified":"2024-03-18T14:48:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T14:48:19","slug":"sleep-apnea-in-dunwoody-can-it-lead-to-blindness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/16\/sleep-apnea-in-dunwoody-can-it-lead-to-blindness\/","title":{"rendered":"Unseen Complications: Can Sleep Apnea Lead to Blindness?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"a<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Did you know that there are millions of people throughout America who have issues with blindness or significantly impaired vision? These disabilities can be due to a number of reasons, including cataracts, accidental injuries, or simply genetics. However, one of the biggest culprits of vision impairment is diabetic retinopathy, which can be minimized with plenty of rest. But if you\u2019re struggling with sleep apnea<\/a>? Keep reading to learn how this sleeping disorder can contribute to blindness and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Sleep Apnea & Diabetic Retinopathy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diabetic retinopathy is a medical condition that happens whenever the blood vessels in the retina\u2014the part of the eye that perceives light\u2014become damaged. Over time, this can result in macular edema, or the buildup of fluid in the area, which can end up harming essential tissues and lead to vision impairment or even blindness. Retinopathy typically occurs in people who have uncontrolled diabetes, making it extremely important to treat their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research today has shown that there\u2019s a significant correlation between sleep apnea, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. A recent study<\/a> by the American Academy of Ophthalmology discovered that people with macular edema were more likely to suffer from this sleeping disorder than those without vision issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Complications with Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea is a complication in a person\u2019s resting period where they experience interruptions in their breathing. This can be due to an obstructive airway or a neural complication, and while it might not directly lead to vision impairment for those with diabetes, it can sometimes exacerbate the situation and raise the risk of macular edema and retinopathy. For instance, those with sleep apnea might struggle with higher blood pressure, which can harm the vessels in their eyes. This disorder can also make it much more difficult to manage diabetes, as they often won\u2019t get enough rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re struggling with getting enough rest or you suspect your low sleep quality is raising your chances of vision impairment, consider the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n