Obstructive sleep apnea and ocular disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obstructive sleep apnea is a diagnosis that ophthalmologists can screen for when a patient presents with certain risk factors. Recent literature provides strong data for associations between sleep apnea and ocular disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS: A potentially serious disorder, sleep apnea can lead to many systemic and ocular complications. Recent findings provide data on the prevalence of sleep apnea with various disorders. Adequate treatment of sleep apnea has also shown to reverse both systemic and eye-related complications.

SUMMARY: Early diagnosis and management of sleep apnea is critical for reducing the risk of devastating systemic complications and preserving ocular and visual function. Further longitudinal data are needed to see the effectivity of long-term management of sleep apnea and its impact on reversing associated complications.