OSAHS patients showed decreased peripapillary nasal RNFL thickness, and increased ONH area and volume parameters when they were evaluated by OCT. These findings suggest that neuronal degeneration might be present in the retina of OSAHS patients, as previously observed in some neurodegenerative disorders.

BackgroundTo assess the retinal sensitivity in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients evaluated with standard automated perimetry (SAP). And to correlate the functional SAP results with structural parameters obtained with optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsThis prospective, observational, case-control study consisted of 63 eyes of 63 OSAHS patients (mean age 51.7 ± 12.7 years, best corrected visual acuity ≥20/25, refractive error less than three spherical or two cylindrical diopters, and intraocular pressure < 21 mmHg) who were enrolled and compared with 38 eyes of 38 age-matched controls. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured by Stratus OCT and SAP sensitivities and indices were explored with Humphrey Field Analyzer perimeter. Correlations between functional and structural parameters were calculated, as well as the relationship between ophthalmologic and systemic indices in OSAHS patients.ResultsOSAHS patients showed a significant reduction of the sensitivity for superior visual field division (p = 0.034, t-student test). When dividing the OSAHS group in accordance with the severity of the disease, nasal peripapillary RNFL thickness was significantly lower in severe OSAHS than that in controls and mild-moderate cases (p = 0.031 and p = 0.016 respectively, Mann-Whitney U test). There were no differences between groups for SAP parameters.We found no correlation between structural and functional variables. The central visual field sensitivity of the SAP revealed a poor Pearson correlation with the apnea-hipopnea index (0.284, p = 0.024).ConclusionsRetinal sensitivity show minor differences between healthy subjects and OSAHS. Functional deterioration in OSAHS patients is not easy to demonstrate with visual field examination.

Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep and breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of hypoxemia.OSAS is associated with persistent neurocognitive injury that may be reflected in structural changes in certain brain regions. The aim of this study is to determine the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness and volume by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in adults with OSAS in order to detect axonal injury in this population. Methods Fourty‐nine eyes corresponding to 26 patients (mean age +/‐ SD: 50.8 +/‐ 12.7 years; range: 14‐75; female/male: 5/21) with newly discovered and previously untreated moderate to severe OSAS (apnea‐hypopnea index >15) were compared by OCT with a control group of twenty‐two eyes corresponding to 14 age‐matched healthy individuals (mean age +/‐ SD: 52.1 +/‐ 15.4 years; range: 14‐74; female/male: 7/7), measuring peripapillary RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume, and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters. Results OSAS patients revealed a significantly lower RNFL thickness in the nasal part of the optic disc (74.6±13.5 µm, range: 47‐100) compared to controls (83.2±14.7 µm, range: 56‐107) (p=0.015). OSAS patients also showed a decreased macular thickness in the outer nasal ring (250.7±13.6 µm, range: 227‐280) compared to controls (265.5±4.9 µm, range: 265‐272) (p=0.05). Other OCT measurements did not show any differences. Conclusion OSAS was associated with a decreased peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness in the nasal quadrants. Therefore, it might be a biomarker of this disease.

Retinal findings may change in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The present study aims to evaluate several retinal findings, such as macula layer thickness, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and the optic nerve head in patients with OSAS, using optical coherence tomography (OCT); it also aims to monitor the result of several types of treatment of OSAS with OCT. A prospective comparative study was designed. Patients were recruited at a Sleep Unit of a University Hospital and underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations. Following exclusion criteria, fifty-two patients with OSAS were finally included. Patients were examined by OCT twice: once before treatment, and again after six months of treatment. In mild–moderate patients, where retinal swelling had been demonstrated, retinal thicknesses decreased [fovea (p = 0.026), as did inner ring macula (p = 0.007), outer ring macula (p = 0.015), and macular volume (p = 0.015)]. In severe patients, where retinal atrophy had been observed, retinal thickness increased [fovea (p < 0.001)]. No statistically significant differences in efficacy between treatments were demonstrated. In conclusion, OCT can evaluate the retina in patients with OSAS and help to monitor results after treatment. In severe OSAS, retinal thickness increased six months after treatment.

Retinal findings may change in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The present study aims to evaluate several retinal findings such as macula layer thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and the optic nerve head in patients with OSAS using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and monitor the result of several types of treatment of OSAS with OCT. A prospective comparative study was designed. Patients were recruited at a Sleep Unit of a University Hospital and underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations. Following exclusion criteria, fifty-two patients with OSAS were finally included. Patients were examined by OCT twice: first, before treatment; secondly, after six months of treatment. In mild-moderate patients, where retinal swelling has been demonstrated, retinal thicknesses decreased [fovea (p=0.026), as well as inner ring macula (p=0.007), outer ring macula (p=0.015), and macular volume (p=0.015)]. In severe patients, where retinal atrophy had been observed, retinal thickness increased [fovea (p&amp;lt;0.001)]. No statistically significant differences in efficacy between treatments were demonstrated. In conclusion, OCT can evaluate the retina in patients with OSAS and help monitor results after treatment. In severe OSAS, retinal thickness increased six months after treatment.