Post

New research · Ophthalmology
Journal of ophthalmology · 4d
ReviewJournal of ophthalmology · 2026

Relationship Between Floppy Eyelid Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Umbrella Review.

Gisela Tan Oh Napoli, Daniel Mendes Lobato, Fátima Rosana Albertini, Almiro José Machado Júnior
Read paper
OphthalmologyReview

Floppy eyelid syndrome affects up to 64.5% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Relationship Between Floppy Eyelid Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Umbrella Review.

Gisela Tan Oh Napoli … Almiro José Machado Júnior
Journal of ophthalmology · 2026
Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) is characterized by intermittent partial or complete interruption of airflow due to upper airway collapse during sleep.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of epidemiological association between floppy eyelid syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Methods

Systematic reviews were evaluated to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and floppy eyelid syndrome in adults.

Results
64.5%
Lax, easily-everted eyelids were found in up to 64.5% of sleep apnea patients.
More results

The final GRADE certainty ranged from low to moderate.

Overlap analysis indicated moderate overlap.

Nevertheless, the included studies consistently reported an association between floppy eyelid syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

“
Conclusion · 1 of 3

Consistent with previous literature, this review supports an association between floppy eyelid syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Identification of floppy eyelid syndrome or EL during clinical examination may increase suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Despite its clinical relevance, this association remains underrecognized, and further studies using standardized diagnostic criteria are needed to strengthen the available evidence.

Read paper
0 comments

No comments yet. Be the first.

Related papers

LatestFoundational
Cross-sectional
44.1%
had too much homocysteine in the blood, a far larger share than in dry AMD or healthy eyes
Cohort Study
92.3%
most laser-treated eyes had a favorable eye-structure outcome
Cohort Study
56%
lost three or more lines on the eye-chart vision test
Cohort Study
50%
older patients were more likely to lose three or more lines of vision
Study
81%
trials where mask air leaks were detected blowing toward the eyes
Cohort Study
13.5%
Central retinal artery peak blood-flow speed was 13.5% lower in diabetic patients.
Study
379 +/- 156 microm
lower thickness in the central retina, checked with an eye scan
Case Report
9 of 10 eyes
eyes had better measured vision after treatment