In the United States, the lives of more than 18 million adults are impacted by sleep apnea. Scientists had already linked the sleep condition to several health problems, but researchers now associate the disorder with blindness. Severe sleep apnea could heighten people's risk of diabetic macular edema: a disease that causes vision loss or blindness.

"Based on these results, we hope that more medical professionals will approach sleep apnea as a risk factor for diabetic macular edema," lead researcher Juifan Chiang said in a press release. "This could allow for earlier medical intervention so patients can keep more of their vision and preserve their overall health as much as possible."

San Diego Center for the Blind specializes in helping people living with vision loss. Please reach out to us to learn more.

"Sleep Apnea Effects Linked To Blindness"