The Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use on Dry Eye Disease

Abstract

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use is highly beneficial. However, many patients using CPAP or nasal mask therapy (NMT) develop secondary ocular disorders. Adding to earlier research, a recent retrospective descriptive analysis of 330,926 patients with no diagnosis of dry eye disease prior to their first CPAP or NMT device claim provides further information on the prevalence and incidence of dry eye disease among patients using CPAP or other NMT devices to treat sleep apnoea. Researchers found clear evidence that, compared with the incidence of dry eye disease in the general adult population in the USA, the incidence of dry eye disease was higher in patients who used CPAP or a NMT device, particularly in the second year of use. Furthermore, the incidence of dry eye disease increased based on the length of time the CPAP device was used. This research reveals the need for multispecialty collaboration based on evidence that patients may be at risk for eye irritation secondary to airflow from mask leakage or retrograde nasolacrimal air escape.