Illustration of an eye with the optic nerve highlighted, representing the link between sleep and vision health.

Sleep Apnea and Your Eyes: What You Need to Know About NAION

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights a surprising link between sleep apnea and a serious eye condition. Learn about the risks and how to protect your vision."

We all know that a good night's sleep is essential for overall health, but what if your sleep is disrupted? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, has long been linked to cardiovascular issues and other health problems. Now, emerging research suggests a surprising connection: OSA may also increase your risk of developing a serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to sudden vision loss. While not always preventable, understanding the risk factors can help you take proactive steps to protect your sight. This article dives into the latest findings on OSA and NAION, providing insights into the potential dangers and offering practical advice.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment or care.

The Alarming Link: How Sleep Apnea Could Affect Your Eyesight

Illustration of an eye with the optic nerve highlighted, representing the link between sleep and vision health.

The study, published in the journal Br J Ophthalmol, examined data from a large group of individuals over 12 years. The researchers found that people newly diagnosed with OSA had a significantly higher chance of developing NAION compared to those without the sleep disorder. While the overall risk of NAION remains relatively low, this research highlights the importance of recognizing OSA as a potential risk factor.

The study involved a large population, making the findings more reliable. The researchers analyzed data from over a million people in South Korea. They identified a group of individuals with newly diagnosed OSA and compared their eye health outcomes to a control group without OSA. The results showed a clear increase in NAION risk among those with OSA.

What is NAION? NAION is a condition where blood supply to the optic nerve is blocked, causing vision loss.
What is OSA? Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition where breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep.
The connection: OSA can increase the risk of NAION.

The exact mechanisms behind this connection are still being investigated, but several factors are thought to play a role. Intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) during sleep, vascular dysregulation, and increased levels of vasoactive substances may contribute to the development of NAION in those with OSA. These mechanisms highlight that addressing OSA is not just about a good night's rest; it is also about protecting overall health, including vision.

Protecting Your Vision: What You Can Do

The research on the OSA-NAION link underscores the importance of recognizing and managing sleep apnea. If you experience symptoms of OSA, such as loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or pauses in breathing during sleep, it's important to seek medical evaluation. Effective treatments for OSA, like CPAP therapy, may not only improve sleep quality but also reduce the potential risk of vision-threatening conditions like NAION. Regular eye exams are also crucial for early detection and management of any eye-related problems. Your eye doctor can monitor your vision and help identify any early signs of NAION or other conditions. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your eyesight and safeguard your overall well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-312910, Alternate LINK

Title: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea And Increased Risk Of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy

Subject: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Journal: British Journal of Ophthalmology

Publisher: BMJ

Authors: Hee Kyung Yang, Sang Jun Park, Seong Jun Byun, Kyu Hyung Park, Jeong-Whun Kim, Jeong-Min Hwang

Published: 2018-11-09

Everything You Need To Know

How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) potentially affect my eyesight?

Research suggests a link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Studies indicate that individuals diagnosed with OSA have a higher risk of developing NAION compared to those without the sleep disorder. While the overall risk is relatively low, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing OSA as a potential risk factor for visual impairment. The *Br J Ophthalmol* study demonstrates that OSA can significantly increase the risk of NAION.

What is Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), and how is it related to blood flow?

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is an eye condition that occurs when the blood supply to the optic nerve is disrupted. This disruption can lead to sudden vision loss. The link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and NAION is thought to involve intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) during sleep, vascular dysregulation, and increased levels of vasoactive substances, all of which can affect blood flow to the optic nerve. NAION is not always preventable, but understanding risk factors is crucial.

What can I do to protect my vision if I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), it's important to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Effective treatments for OSA, such as CPAP therapy, can improve sleep quality and potentially reduce the risk of vision-threatening conditions like non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Regular eye exams are also crucial for early detection and management of any eye-related problems. Your eye doctor can monitor your vision and identify any early signs of NAION or other conditions.

What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) I should watch out for to safeguard my eye health?

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and pauses in breathing during sleep. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to seek medical evaluation. Addressing OSA through treatments like CPAP therapy may not only improve sleep quality but also reduce the potential risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). By recognizing and managing OSA, you can proactively protect your overall health, including your vision.

What mechanisms link Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to the development of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), and what are their implications?

The exact mechanisms linking Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to the development of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) are still under investigation. However, several factors are believed to contribute, including intermittent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) during sleep, vascular dysregulation, and increased levels of vasoactive substances. These mechanisms highlight that addressing OSA is not just about improving sleep quality but also about protecting overall health, including vision. Understanding these mechanisms underscores the importance of managing OSA to prevent potential vision-threatening conditions like NAION. The *Br J Ophthalmol* study reinforces the importance of addressing OSA early.