Quality sleep, an ally for eye health: what every patient should know

Adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being and plays a particularly important role in eye health. Recent research has shown that sleep duration, quality, and regularity are closely related not only to cognitive functioning and overall health, but also to various lifestyle factors that can affect the eyes.

A good night's sleep contributes to tissue repair and recovery, including ocular tissue. When sleep is insufficient or of poor quality, the body is unable to efficiently perform essential tasks that maintain the integrity and healthy functioning of structures such as the ocular surface and retina. Visual fatigue, dry eyes, and light sensitivity can be aggravated by sleep disturbances, conditions that frequently lead to ophthalmological consultations.

The scientific article highlights that cognitive functions such as memory, learning, mood, and attention span are sensitive to both the quantity and quality of sleep. Many ophthalmology patients, especially those who spend long periods in front of screens or electronic devices, experience disruptions in their circadian rhythm, which can translate into difficulty falling asleep and, in turn, recurring visual symptoms.

In the general population, sleep disorders can also be associated with unhealthy habits, such as reduced physical activity or poor nutritional choices, factors that increase the risk of chronic diseases. In the ophthalmological field, some of these systemic conditions—such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease—are also linked to the development of visual pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.

Scientific evidence shows that people who manage to maintain regular, quality sleep patterns tend to have better health indicators, including improved cognitive abilities and lifestyles that are more protective against chronic diseases. A commitment to healthy sleep habits should be considered a fundamental part of eye health prevention, so it is important for patients and those seeking to preserve their vision to pay attention to both the hours they sleep and the quality and regularity of their sleep.

Taking care of your sleep habits, along with regular visits to the ophthalmologist, are strategies that contribute not only to protecting your eye health, but also to improving your overall quality of life.

Source: News Medical