A whole new sleep apnea/CPAP problem!

Don't know if anybody else has a problem like this or not, but this is just a "heads up" as to a side effect of CPAP!

Now I've been on a CPAP since 2002. I am fully convinced that I would not be alive today, had I not had this available to me. And I've been having DES or Dry Eye Syndrome for the past two or three years. I've used different types of artificial tears, sometimes many times during the day to relieve my symptoms. But they keep getting worse.

I actually thought my eyes were deteriorating, which given my age, would not be terribly surprising. However, I had back to back appointments with my sleep doc and an ophthalmologist last week. What I have learned, is that the tear ducts that run from the inside lower corner of the eyes to the nasal cavity have been "blown out" by the CPAP.

I guess the big name for these ducts are "nasolacrimal ducts." Their purpose is to drain off the normal fluid that is produced by the eye, to keep it moist. These ducts normally drain a tiny amount of fluid into the nasal passage where it is absorbed or eliminated. When allergies or emotions cause an overproduction of tears, it is these passages that cause the nose to run.

Anyway, with the blow out, I now have air from the CPAP forced into my eyes all night long, which is where the problems are stemming from. The symptoms are dry, itching, scratchy eyes, but have now progressed to having sharp pains passing through either or both eyes, very quickly, also having problems with they eye lids closing involuntarily and not wanting to open up again. (Think of an involuntary blink where the eyes stay shut.) I also have an extreme intolerance to sunlight or other bright light. All this is symptomatic of DES.

Apparently these ducts can be plugged, (called "punctal plugs.") I'm sure this is something that would have its own set of side effects, so we are currently trying a different route. I will be switching from a nasal mask to a full face mask, (as soon as I can get insurance approval.) And I am using an ointment in my eyes every night right before I go to bed. Expensive stuff, of course, but you only put about an eighth of an inch of it along the inside of the bottom eye lid. I'm trying to avoid the punctal plugs, if possible.

I'll have to give it some time, to see how it works out, and I'll keep you all posted on this.

Just the fact that this could happen, came as a total surprise to me. I had no idea of it. I wonder what other little surprise are on down the road. . .

 

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate them.

Truckerdad, I just saw something about an oral appliance in some type of old fart's magazine. I will be talking to the sleep doc about it. Right now, it is obvious that what I am doing is not working. Have another eye doc appointment tomorrow. . .

 

A quick update here: I got the full face mask a couple of days ago. I've tried two different styles, and the full face is just not going to work for me. So I'm back to the nasal mask. May have to use a chin strap to keep my mouth shut. But seeing what they had available at the medical supply, figured I could make my own that would work better, and be far cheaper, if I am forced into using one.

Yesterday, I got the punctal plugs put in. Painless procedure that took just a few minutes in the doctor's office. Too soon to tell if they will help or not. Also got a pair of "night goggles," (no, NOT night vision goggles, the kind you wear at night.) They will supposedly keep any air that escapes from the nasal mask fitting, from getting into my eyes.

This is a problem that has obviously been building for a few years. I knew I was developing eye problems, but didn't know why. So I don't expect a "miracle overnight cure."