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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

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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.

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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.

Post

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

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

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