Sleep Apnea Linked To Worsening Diabetic Eye Disease
I thought I would share this little bit of info in the hopes that some people who don't necessarily want to pursue treatment for their sleep apnea get pushed in the direction of seeking help.
So, I went in to see my eye doctor about an eye-issue and was shocked, yet again, as to how far and wide the net is cast as to health issues related to sleep apnea. I got my eyes dilated and the doctor looked at both my retinas. Everything was good, but then I was absolutely shocked to hear what she said next. She said "I'm seeing a little bit of a nerve cluster in there. Do you have sleep apnea?" Wow! Really? She's good! How did she know?
Other than a few slight abnormalities likely from birth, everything looked good for a 60-year-old. So then I did some searches online for sleep apnea problems specifically concerning the retina and/or eyes. It looks like there is a link more so with sleep apnea worsening diabetic eye disease. Well, I don't have diabetes, but my doctor sure spotted the results of not getting my sleep apnea treated for years. I have only been on my ASV machine for about 15 months as of this post. So a lot of time was spent untreated, and enough of a problem cropped up for the doctor to see it in my retinal exam.
Most people rely heavily on good vision. So here's another good reason to get diagnosed and treated if you suspect you have some form of sleep apnea. Or better yet, encourage a loved-one to do the same.
In the mean time, do some Google searches on the topic. Very interesting reading.
Cheers and happy holidays all.
So, I went in to see my eye doctor about an eye-issue and was shocked, yet again, as to how far and wide the net is cast as to health issues related to sleep apnea. I got my eyes dilated and the doctor looked at both my retinas. Everything was good, but then I was absolutely shocked to hear what she said next. She said "I'm seeing a little bit of a nerve cluster in there. Do you have sleep apnea?" Wow! Really? She's good! How did she know?
Other than a few slight abnormalities likely from birth, everything looked good for a 60-year-old. So then I did some searches online for sleep apnea problems specifically concerning the retina and/or eyes. It looks like there is a link more so with sleep apnea worsening diabetic eye disease. Well, I don't have diabetes, but my doctor sure spotted the results of not getting my sleep apnea treated for years. I have only been on my ASV machine for about 15 months as of this post. So a lot of time was spent untreated, and enough of a problem cropped up for the doctor to see it in my retinal exam.
Most people rely heavily on good vision. So here's another good reason to get diagnosed and treated if you suspect you have some form of sleep apnea. Or better yet, encourage a loved-one to do the same.
In the mean time, do some Google searches on the topic. Very interesting reading.
Cheers and happy holidays all.
RayBee
~ Self-Treatment - via ApneaBoard experts.
~ Self-Pay - no help from Kaiser other than getting my script, then a pat on the butt and out the door.
~ Self-Educated - via ApneaBoard experts, its many users, and posted reference material.
~ Complex Apnea - All Night AHI=34.2/h, Supine AHI=45.5/h
~ Using a 2021 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max, 32 GB, 1 TB, macOS Monterey V12.6.2.
~ Pay no attention to the dog behind the cup, he ain't a docta, and does not give medical advise.
~ Woof, woof.
~ Self-Treatment - via ApneaBoard experts.
~ Self-Pay - no help from Kaiser other than getting my script, then a pat on the butt and out the door.
~ Self-Educated - via ApneaBoard experts, its many users, and posted reference material.
~ Complex Apnea - All Night AHI=34.2/h, Supine AHI=45.5/h
~ Using a 2021 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max, 32 GB, 1 TB, macOS Monterey V12.6.2.
~ Pay no attention to the dog behind the cup, he ain't a docta, and does not give medical advise.
~ Woof, woof.
