Have you noticed one of your eyes giving you trouble lately? If so, a rare condition called Floppy eye syndrome (FES) may be the culprit. Unfortunately, this condition has also been found to be linked to sleep apnea in Lawton. The first step to treating both issues is to establish a working definition of each problem and to have an understanding of their symptoms. Learn about the connection between FES and sleep apnea as you continue reading.
What is FES?
For patients suffering from FES, there typically have been two things that have occurred: the eyelid has everted and there is upward traction, but does this all mean? The following explains the two conditions:
- Eyelid Eversion – This refers to the eyelid moving away from its normal position of safely fitting around the contour of the eyeball, which leaves the eye more susceptible to irritation and injury.
- Upward Traction – Also called vitreomacular traction, this is the separation of the fibers behind the eyeball, which can cause a small cyst to develop.
While these symptoms can normally be treated by an ophthalmologist, they can be a sign of a greater issue – obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What is OSA?
The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA refers to a partial blockage of the airway that causes lapses in breathing during the sleep cycle. This then triggers the brain to send a distress signal that causes the person to awaken. Because this can happen several times throughout the night, a person suffering from OSA may experience the following problems:
- Memory loss
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat in the morning
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Daytime fatigue even after getting a full night of sleep
The Connection Between FES and OSA
Studies show that people diagnosed with FES are more likely to display symptoms of OSA. While the connection between the two conditions is not conclusive, a possible link is low-grade inflammation that causes the eyelid to become more flaccid than normal.
Through collaborative efforts between sleep dentists and ophthalmologists, studies show that treatment with the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine has proven to be effective in improving the symptoms of both conditions.
By taking a proactive stance to seek treatment for either issue, patients will reap greater benefits than just a better night’s sleep and a properly functioning eye. They will also be aiding in the prevention of the serious side effects of untreated sleep apnea, like hypertension, heart disease and stroke.
If you notice the warning signs of OSA or FES, the first step is to reach out to your local physician to be examined. Then, with the help of your local sleep dentist, you can eventually get the rest you need, which translates into better overall health.
About the Author
Dr. David Drummond earned his dental degree from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army Dental Corps. Following his active duty stint, Dr. Drummond went on to open Stop Snoring Lawton, where he specializes in treating sleep apnea. He can be reached for more information through his website.