Eyelid hyperlaxity and obstructive sleep apnea (O.S.A.) syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: An association between the floppy eyelid syndrome and the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (O.S.A.) has been reported. We studied eyelid tissue elasticity and other ophthalmologic findings in a large number of patients with sleep disorders.

Material and methods: Sixty-nine patients with sleep disorders were evaluated. Two thirds were found to have O.S.A., and one third was treated at night by nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal C.P.A.P.). Slit lamp examination, eyelid measurements and Schirmer test were performed.

Results: Eyelid hyperlaxity was increased in patients with O.S.A. The floppy eyelid syndrome (associated papillary conjunctivitis), however, was rare. Associated corneal lesions were rare, and most patients were asymptomatic. In some cases, ocular irritation was due to air leaks from nasal C.P.A.P. A significant proportion of patients required treatment for primary open angle glaucoma.

Conclusions: Our study of 69 patients found an association between O.S.A. and eyelid hyperlaxity.