Abstract

DO.17.05

The influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) to the visual field of human with a view to morphological and physiological aspects

Andreas Steindel1, Hans Gert Struck2
1Dres. Steindel & Steindel Partnerschaft, Aschersleben; 2Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale

Objective
The study aimed to determine the influence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), an entity characterized by repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep, inducing hypoxia and sleep disruption, to the visual field of human with a view to morphological and physiological aspects.
Methods
In a prospective controlled cohort study 32 patients with a new discovered, until now untreated, moderate up to severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (apnoe-hypopnoe-index >20) was compared to 32 healthy people of a control group.
Intervention: Detailed ophthalmologic examination including tonometry, biomicroscopic evaluation of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye, automatic and kinetic perimetry. Evaluation of polysomnographic results in relation to ophthalmologic outcome.
Main outcome measures: Comparison (t-Test) of visual field indices (MD / CPSD) and local defects frequency, optic disc changes, intraocular pressure as well as correlations between MD and polysomnography are checked.
Results
Mean deviation (MD) in OSA patients is significantly reduced (-1.66/-1.62 dB; p<0.001). Corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) shows no difference. Diffuse local defects in middle periphery of 30° visual field in OSA patients are evident increased (p<0.003). There were found normal intraocular tension values in all persons without correlation to MD. The incidence of pathological optic disc changes is increased in apnea group (6.25%).
Conclusions
OSAS seems to lead to a reduced function by rarefication of nerve tissue in retina and/or optic nerve. The term of glaucoma according to his definition is applicatively.

Copyright: 2009 Porstmann Kongresse GmbH. All rights reserved. Impressum, Disclaimer.