A large UK study found poor quality sleep was associated with increased glaucoma risk.
The UK Biobank study used the data of 409,053 participants, aged 40-69 years. Compared with those with a healthy sleep pattern, snorers and those who experienced daytime sleepiness were 10% more likely to have glaucoma, while insomniacs and those with a short/long sleep duration pattern (outside the 7-9 hour range per day) were 13% more likely to have it, said researchers. They noted, however, that glaucoma might itself influence sleep patterns, rather than the other way around. “As sleep behaviours are modifiable, these findings underscore the necessity of sleep intervention for individuals at high risk of glaucoma and potential ophthalmologic screening among individuals with chronic sleep problems,” they concluded.
For more, see www.nzoptics.co.nz/articles/archive/probing-sleep-apnoea-and-glaucoma-link
