A new study published in the journal BMJ Open found that poor sleep patterns can increase the risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma — a common eye condition where the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is damaged — can lead to complete blindness if not treated early on. The condition is the leading cause of blindness and is expected to affect around 112 million people in the world by 2040, according to South West News Service. Study participants provided details about their sleeping behaviors to the researchers who considered that information along with background variables such as age, sex, lifestyle, weight, ethnicity, education and location. Those who slept between seven and nine hours every day were classified as getting a healthy amount of sleep. Researchers found 8,690 cases of glaucoma after 10.5 years of monitoring the participants.
Link: New York Post
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