A new study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has found a link between sleeping position and an increased risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that damages the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness if left untreated.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain.

If the optic nerve becomes damaged, visual information cannot reach the brain, and blindness can occur.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common is called primary open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, resulting in increased pressure in the eye.

If left untreated, this increased pressure can damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it usually has no symptoms until vision is already being lost.

Sleeping Position and Glaucoma Risk

The UCLA study looked at over 3,000 participants and found that those who slept on their stomach or side had a higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who slept on their back.

The researchers believe that this increased risk may be due to a decrease in blood flow to the optic nerve when sleeping on the stomach or side.

When we sleep on our back, blood flow to the optic nerve is not impeded, allowing for proper oxygenation of the nerve tissue.

However, when we sleep on our stomach or side, the weight of our head can put pressure on the blood vessels that supply the optic nerve, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygenation.

Reduced blood flow and oxygenation to the optic nerve can increase the risk of damage to the nerve tissue, which can lead to glaucoma.

The UCLA study found that participants who slept on their back had a 20% lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who slept on their stomach or side.

Other Risk Factors for Glaucoma

In addition to sleeping position, there are several other factors that can increase your risk of developing glaucoma:.

Age: People over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Family history: If someone in your family has glaucoma, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Race: African Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to Caucasians and Asians.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.

Preventing Glaucoma

Although there is no surefire way to prevent glaucoma, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Get regular eye exams: The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years to detect early signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those high in antioxidants, can help protect your eyes from damage.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help improve blood flow to your eyes and reduce your risk of glaucoma.
Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of developing glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Control medical conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, work with your healthcare provider to control these conditions and reduce your risk of glaucoma.

Conclusion

The UCLA study provides valuable insight into the link between sleeping position and glaucoma risk.

While sleeping on your back may not be feasible for everyone, especially those with sleep apnea or other medical conditions, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce your overall risk of glaucoma.