Red eyes? Constant irritation could be symptom of THIS often undiagnosed syndrome
RED and irritated eyes are symptoms of floppy eyelid syndrome, a condition which often goes undiagnosed and is confused with conjunctivitis and dry eyes. However, virtually all of sufferers have obstructive sleep apnoea.
Red eyes: It is a symptom of floppy eyelid syndrome
Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is where the upper eyelids are unusually elastic.
It is thought that almost 100 per cent of sufferers also have obstructive sleep apnoea, according to the journal Optometry Today.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disorder characterised by recurrent interruption of normal breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the upper airway.
As such, having FES means you are almost certainly likely to suffer from this sleep condition too.
Red eyes: Virtually all FES sufferers have obstructive sleep apnoea
Many patients with floppy eyelid syndrome are often wrongly diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis, blepharitis or dry eye.
This is because the eyelid can turn inside out easily, particularly after sleeping on one side.
According to Optometry Today, the palpebral conjunctiva - that lines the inside of the eye - is then exposed to the pillow.
As such, one of the symptoms of FES is recurrent red eye that does not seem to respond to normal treatment.
Many patients are often wrongly diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis, blepharitis or dry eye.
Red eyes: FES is often confused with conjunctivitis
Sufferers are among the 1.5 million adults in the UK estimated to have OSA.
It is predicted 85 per cent of those with OSA are undiagnosed.
While the condition does not seem related to the eyes, it is associated with a number of ocular conditions.
As well as FES, it has been linked to keratoconus and glaucoma.
Dr Ranj advises what to do about spots on the eyelids
Red eyes: FES often goes undiagnosed
Research published in the journal Current Opinion in Ophthalmology revealed that FES often goes undiagnosed.
As well as red eyes, symptoms include irritation and corneal ulcer.
It has been associated with a higher body mass index.
Treatment options include supportive measures such as ocular lubrication, eyelid taping or a shield, and sometimes surgery.