The prevalence of glaucoma in patients with sleep apnea syndrome: same as in the general population

Abstract

Purpose: An association of glaucoma and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) has been widely reported. We investigated the largest group of patients with SAS thus far to determine the prevalence of glaucoma among these patients.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: An institutional study.

Study population: A total of 228 patients with SAS.

Observation procedures: Sleep studies determined the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) during night sleep. Ocular examination included intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, optic disk evaluation, and Humphrey visual field examination.

Main outcome measures: The SAS was diagnosed as an RDI > 10. The RDI was graded to determine the severity of SAS: mild (RDI, 10-19), moderate (RDI, 20-39), and severe (RDI > 40). Open-angle glaucoma was diagnosed when a glaucomatous visual field defect matched the optic disk changes, irrespective of IOP levels.

Results: Nineteen participants had mild SAS (mean +/- standard deviation, RDI = 15 +/- 3), 129 had moderate SAS (RDI = 28 +/- 5), and 80 had severe SAS (RDI = 54 +/- 11). Open-angle glaucoma was found in five SAS subjects, a prevalence of 2% (95% confidence interval, 0.7% to 5%). There was no correlation between RDI and the presence of glaucoma (chi-square = 1.18; degrees of freedom = 2; P =.6) or between the RDI and the IOP (r = -0.067; P =.316).

Conclusion: The prevalence of glaucoma in SAS patients was similar to that in the general Caucasian population.