Published: 27 April 2021 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: The original article/interview body below is retained in its editorial form, including its attributed quotations and narrative structure. Current evidence and clinical guidance are presented separately below and should be relied on where older wording or claims differ.
Sleep is often discussed as part of general health. Its relationship with glaucoma, a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, has also attracted research interest. Gary Rodney, Australian behavioural optometrist and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), discussed that relationship in the original interview. Observational findings do not establish that a particular sleep pattern causes or accelerates glaucoma.
Rodney’s discussion highlights the fact that some forms of glaucoma can progress gradually without obvious early symptoms. The course varies by type and individual; there is no universal 20-year timetable. Sudden painful glaucoma presentations require emergency assessment.
The possibility of unnoticed progression makes glaucoma a serious concern. Treatment aims to preserve remaining sight, and outcomes depend on the type, severity and response to care; a single percentage does not describe every person’s outlook.
Glaucoma Seriousness Leads to Many Studies
Glaucoma’s threat to sight has prompted studies of its risk factors and its relationship with other health conditions and behaviour patterns, including sleep.
“Glaucoma is the result of built-up pressure in the eyes caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous fluid. And although the fluid production levels tend to drop during sleep, the imbalance isn’t necessarily rectified. Instead it can be exacerbated, and the intraocular pressure increased, if the body is in a position that blocks the drainage system still further, and it stays in that position for too long,” Rodney says.
Clinical clarification — 28 September 2026: Gary’s original quotation is retained. Glaucoma is optic-nerve damage, not simply a pressure imbalance; it can occur at pressures within the usual range. This explanation should not be used to choose a sleeping position or change glaucoma or sleep-apnoea treatment. Discuss concerns with the treating clinicians.
How Sleeping Patterns Affect Glaucoma
The study discussed in the interview was a 2019 cross-sectional analysis of 6,784 US survey participants aged 40 and over, not only people in their forties. It compared sleep reports with glaucoma-related findings; it did not measure the effect of changing sleep on disease progression.
The researchers found associations, but could not establish whether sleep problems preceded glaucoma, followed it, or reflected other factors. The results do not show that controlling sleep timing controls glaucoma.
A Matter of Time
Sleep latency means the time taken to fall asleep. Compared with 10–29 minutes, the study reported higher odds of disc-defined glaucoma for 9 minutes or less (odds ratio 2.0) and 30 minutes or more (2.3). These were group associations, not individual risk predictions or sleep targets.
The interview also discussed sleep duration. Here too, the findings describe associations rather than damage caused by keeping the eyes closed.
Compared with seven hours, sleeping at least ten hours was associated with higher odds of disc-defined glaucoma (3.3) and visual-field defects (3.4).
Sleeping three hours or less was associated with higher odds of visual-field defects (3.0) than seven hours. This does not establish that seven hours is a glaucoma treatment or that a different duration will worsen an individual’s sight.
HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!
For more information on eye health, visual skills and therapy, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.
Book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Study context and practical follow-up
Read the Qiu and colleagues study summary. It reports US observational data, not Australian prevalence or a sleep intervention trial. Keep prescribed glaucoma treatment and follow-up; sleep changes do not replace drops, laser or surgery when recommended. Persistent snoring, breathing pauses or daytime sleepiness warrant discussion with your GP. Do not stop prescribed sleep-apnoea treatment because of this article.
Further information is available in Healthdirect’s sleep-apnoea guidance. Related articles cover glaucoma detection and treatment, eyes after 40 and work-related eye concerns. The historical SoundCloud interview linked above concerns COVID and myopia, a separate topic.
Frequently asked questions
Does poor sleep prove that I have glaucoma?
No. Sleep symptoms do not diagnose glaucoma. Discuss persistent sleep problems with your GP and arrange eye care according to your symptoms, history and recommended review schedule.
Can changing my sleep hours replace glaucoma treatment?
No. Research linking sleep and glaucoma does not establish sleep changes as a replacement for prescribed glaucoma treatment or monitoring.
Did the 2019 study prove that a fixed sleep schedule prevents glaucoma?
No. It was an observational, cross-sectional study and could not establish that changing a sleep schedule prevents glaucoma.
Eye care in Bondi Beach and Mosman
Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice for routine eye-care enquiries. Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain needs urgent medical assessment, rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
