poor sleep and glaucoma
A study involving over 6,700 individuals in the United States aged 40 and older, who participated in a sleep survey, has uncovered potential links between glaucoma and sleep-related issues.
This research analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2005 and 2008. Participants included those with glaucoma showing signs of optic nerve damage and vision loss in specific areas of their visual field. Their examination included fundus photography to assess the optic nerve and automated visual field tests to identify any vision loss.
Survey respondents provided insights into their sleep experiences, detailing:
Total sleep duration
Challenges in falling asleep
Sleep disruptions (such as waking during the night)
Diagnosed sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
Usage of sleep medications
Daytime sleepiness issues
What Links Glaucoma and Sleep?
The findings revealed a significant association between glaucoma and various sleep disorders. Key observations included:
Individuals sleeping 10 or more hours nightly were three times more likely to exhibit glaucoma-related optic nerve damage compared to those who averaged 7 hours of sleep.
Those who fell asleep in 9 minutes or less, or took 30 minutes or more to do so, were twice as likely to have glaucoma compared to those who took between 10 and 29 minutes.
The likelihood of experiencing vision loss was three times greater for those who slept 3 hours or fewer or 10 hours or more each night, relative to those getting 7 hours.
Participants who reported memory issues linked to daytime sleepiness were twice as likely to experience visual field loss compared to those without daytime sleepiness or memory problems.
Those who had difficulty engaging in hobbies due to daytime sleepiness were three times more likely to have vision loss than those who had no such difficulties.
“This study is notable as it adds to the growing body of research exploring the relationship between glaucoma and sleep disturbances,” says Dr. Michael Boland, MD, PhD, a glaucoma specialist at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD.
Dr. Boland emphasizes, “It is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the significance of healthy sleep for overall well-being. This research suggests that glaucoma could be linked to sleep health concerns.”
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises that everyone should schedule a baseline eye exam with an ophthalmologist by age 40, as this is when early signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, may start to appear.
For those concerned about the cost of an eye exam, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America program offers information on eligibility for complimentary eye exams.
Citation: American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, July 28). Study examines relationship between glaucoma and poor sleep. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/study-relationship-between-glaucoma-poor-sleep
