Research undertaken at CERA has linked low levels of oxygen in the blood overnight with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The findings could suggest sleep apnoea as a modifiable risk factor for AMD.

The study, published in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, looked at overnight oxygen levels of people with different stages of AMD and found moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea was associated with an increased risk of having wet AMD.

“If this association is validated it may well be worth asking people with high-risk early stages of AMD if they have any symptoms suggestive of sleep apnoea, as treating it 

might reduce the risk of developing wet macular degeneration,” says Dr Carla Abbott, co-supervisor of the study.

A lack of oxygen overnight can cause various health issues over time, but the light-sensitive retina in the eye may be particularly sensitive to small drops in oxygen levels.

“The retina is very active at night – it has its highest need for energy while it recovers from the day,” says Dr Abbott.

The research was performed by University of Melbourne Master’s student Attiqa Chaudhary along with members of CERA’s Macular Research Unit, led by Professor Robyn Guymer AM, as part of the wider Synergy High Risk AMD Study. 

This story was originally published in Share our vision: Annual Review 2024.