How Sleep Can Affect Your Vision

Woman looking at eyes in mirror

Lack of Sleep May Affect Your Eye Health

Have you been having trouble sleeping? Fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability aren't the only consequences of insomnia. Your eye health may also suffer if you can't fall asleep or stay asleep.

These Things Can Happen to Your Eyes if You Don't Get Enough Sleep

Most of us experience sleep problems from time to time. Stress, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, illnesses, injuries, or the birth of a new baby can interfere with your ability to get a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, if sleep difficulties become chronic, you may be at risk of developing one of these eye issues:

  • Dry Eye. Researchers who conducted a systematic literature review published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science in 2018 reported that almost half of patients with dry eye don't sleep well. Dry eye could be related to incomplete closure of your eyes when you sleep, problems with tear production, diabetes and other diseases, or hormonal changes due to menopause or pregnancy. Improving sleep quality and duration while using eye drops at night can help relieve dry eye, although you may still experience dry, irritated eyes from time to time. If you continue to have dry eye symptoms, your eye doctor can recommend treatment options.
  • Eye Spasms. A twitching eyelid isn't usually a sign of a serious condition, although it's certainly annoying. Spasms may be more likely to occur if you don't get enough sleep, are stressed, have allergies, or spend many hours viewing digital screens. If your spasms don't go away after a week or two or make it hard to see or keep your eye open, get in touch with your optometrist.
  • Circles, Bags, and Bloodshot Eyes. Dark circles, bags under your eyes, and red eyes may not damage your vision, but they can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Fluid retention due to poor sleep causes bags and circles, while dilated blood vessels can make your eyes look red and bloodshot.
  • Glaucoma. The pressure inside your eye increases if you have glaucoma. If your condition isn't treated, the pressure may damage your optic nerve, causing permanent vision loss. Glaucoma can also occur even if your pressure is normal, in some cases. The amount of sleep you get may affect your glaucoma risk. Researchers who analyzed a survey of more than 6,000 glaucoma patients discovered that people who slept seven hours a night were three times more likely to develop glaucoma than those who slept 10 or more hours. Patients who took 30 minutes or more to fall asleep had twice the risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION). One of the most serious effects of lack of sleep, AION can occur as a result of sleep apnea, a condition that causes hundreds of breathing pauses throughout the night. Oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can eventually lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. The optic nerve transmits electrical impulses from your retina to your brain and is essential for good vision. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or other treatments keep your airways open and stop breathing pauses that can damage your vision and your health.

Regular eye examinations are particularly important if you have sleep issues. Identifying and treating sleep-related eye problems promptly will reduce your risk of vision loss and ease discomfort and other symptoms. Contact our office if you're ready to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

Journal of Glaucoma: Association Between Sleep Parameters and Glaucoma in the United States Population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2/19

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye-Opening Study: Relationship Between Glaucoma and Poor Sleep, 4/10/19

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science: Sleep Disorders are a Prevalent and Serious Comorbidity in Dry Eye, 11/18

Cleveland Clinic: Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION)

All About Vision: Eye Twitching: Causes and Treatments

Contact us to request an appointment today.

New Patients receive 15% OFF Second Pair of Complete Glasses!

Testimonials

  • We love supporting our local businesses. Dave Nelson is such an asset to our community. He took the extra time needed to be completely thorough with some issues I was having. I love that he looked at my complete health before coming to a conclusion for my needs. We love the customer service from beginning to end. I put complete trust in Lee Ann to pick out some frame choices for me, listening to my wants and needs. She delivered and I am so excited to get them next week. Thank you so much!

    ...
    Show More - C.D.
  • I was extremely pleased with the complete and thorough eye examination I received. Dr. Nelson took a great deal of time explaining his findings so that I understood them. He then laid out a plan for us to follow for the future of my eye health.

    - D.D.
  • I'm impressed with all of the technology. Great service. Thank you!

    - J.O
  • This was the best experience I have had with an eye doctor. I felt like Dr. Nelson actually listened to how my eye sight was affecting my daily routine and properly diagnose my vision correction needs.

    - A.K.
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Nelson for many years and he is absolutely amazing. I am grateful that he uses state-of-the-art tools to measure changes in my eye health. His advice is spot on for caring for my eyes and his prices make it affordable to do so. I highly recommend you schedule your next appointment here

    ...
    Show More - J.B.
  • Exam and discussion of the results were excellent. Dr. Nelson is kind, considerate, and open to any discussion about your eyes. The pictures from the exam were amazing and Dr. Nelson explained everything that was going on with the exam and pictures. Frame and lens selection are outstanding as is the work of the staff in helping to pick out what I wanted. And those sunglasses...oh my...I love them! Great work Dr. Nelson and staff!

    ...
    Show More - T.C.
  • This was the most thorough exam I've ever had and I've had many. Dr. Nelson understood my challenges and I felt confident in his care. Great experience. Thank you

    - L.F.
  • Efficient and courteous service with a sense of belonging to a family. I have had to wear prescription lenses for most of my life. Never, has anyone ever taken the time to explain what happens to our eyes as we age, why and HOW we see floaters (and with the latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office - to show you these things and so much more.) and other retinal issues if they exist. The latest technology used in Dr. Nelson's office is non-invasive and amazing to literally see the inside of y

    ...
    Show More - P.L.
  • I've seen Dr. Nelson for many years for my eye care before he opened the new practice in Cottage Grove. I appreciate how very thorough he is and how he takes the time to explain any changes in my vision etc. He and his staff are always very kind and friendly and they go the extra mile to help! I liked that Cottage Grove Eye Care was really easy to find...and I like the space and the fact that they have a large selection of cool frames. Would highly recommend it. Nice to have someone you can trus

    ...
    Show More - H.S.
  • I went to Cottage Grove Eye Care for the first time last year and purchased both glasses and contacts. This is the first year that I have consistently worn both the glasses and contacts and didn't experience any issues with either. I always feel much educated about my eye health when I leave in a way that I never was at other eye clinics

    ...
    Show More - E.W.
  • Friendly, professional, very thorough.

    - T.S.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Monday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am

3:00 pm

Thursday

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am

1:00 pm

Saturday

By Appointment Only

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am 3:00 pm
Thursday
10:00 am 7:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am 1:00 pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
Sunday
Closed