Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 38–42. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701785; published online 14 January 2005
Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea patients is associated with a higher incidence of visual field defect
Proprietary interest: Nil.
Financial support: Nil.
C S L Tsang1, S L Chong1, C K Ho1 and M F Li2
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
- 2Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
Correspondence: CSL Tsang, Department of Ophthalmology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China. Tel.:+852 24685111; Fax:+852 24420023; E-mail: colette_tsg@hotmail.com
Received 16 August 2004; Accepted 21 October 2004; Published online 14 January 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the visual fields (VFs) and optic nerve head changes between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in normotensive patients and an age-matched non-OSA population.
Design
Case–control study.
Participants
A total of 41 ethnic Chinese patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA referred from the Sleep Laboratory, ENT Department, Tuen Mun Hospital. A total of 35 age–matched non-OSA subjects recruited from the Ophthalmology Department, North District Hospital.
Methods
Comprehensive ophthalmological and systemic history, complete ophthalmological examination, including central-30 computerized perimetry for all studied patients.
Main outcome measures
Polysomnographic data, VF indices, optic disc changes
Results
In the OSA arm, VF indices were significantly subnormal and the incidence of suspicious glaucomatous disc changes was four times higher than that of the control arm. None of the studied patients suffered from any form of anterior segment complications.
Conclusions
Moderate to severe OSA is associated with a higher incidence of VF defect and glaucomatous optic nerve changes.
Keywords:
obstructive sleep apnoea, optic neuropathy, visual field, optic disc
