SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND VISION Watching the Olympics has been great, but the time difference is a challenge. What does sleep deprivation do to our vision? In the immediate aftermath of poor sleep, individuals may experience dry eyes, itchy eyes, blurry vision, and eyelid twitches. These symptoms occur because adequate sleep is essential for the eyes to rest, repair, and replenish tears that keep them hydrated and clear. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to more serious visual problems. For instance, young people who get fewer than five hours of sleep per night have a higher likelihood of developing nearsightedness (myopia), compared to those who sleep more than nine hours. There is also a correlation between sleep disorders like sleep apnea and an increased risk of glaucoma. Visual hallucinations can also be a side effect of severe sleep deprivation, although these typically resolve with rest. To maintain optimal eye health and function, it's recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night, as I am sure we will until the next big sporting event in Europe! Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405427 SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND VISION Watching the Olympics has been great , but the time difference is a challenge . What does sleep deprivation do to our vision ? In the immediate aftermath of poor sleep , individuals may experience dry eyes , itchy eyes , blurry vision , and eyelid twitches . These symptoms occur because adequate sleep is essential for the eyes to rest , repair , and replenish tears that keep them hydrated and clear . Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to more serious visual problems . For instance , young people who get fewer than five hours of sleep per night have a higher likelihood of developing nearsightedness ( myopia ) , compared to those who sleep more than nine hours . There is also a correlation between sleep disorders like sleep apnea and an increased risk of glaucoma . Visual hallucinations can also be a side effect of severe sleep deprivation , although these typically resolve with rest . To maintain optimal eye health and function , it's recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night , as I am sure we will until the next big sporting event in Europe ! Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405427