Korean J Ophthalmol.  2021 Jun;35(3):223-230. 10.3341/kjo.2020.0019.

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Optic Nerve Head Parameters in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients

• Ngoo QZ
• A NF
• A B
• WH WH

• KMID: 2516668
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2020.0019

Abstract

Purpose
To study the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients and their relationship with severity of the disease.
Methods
A cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Fifty-four OSA subjects and 54 controls were recruited. Candidate that fulfil the criteria with normal ocular examinations then proceed with spectrum domain Cirrus optical coherence tomography examinations. ONH parameters and RNFL thickness were evaluated. Apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of the OSA group were obtained from the medical record.
Results
In OSA, mean of average RNFL thickness was 93.87 µm, standard deviation (SD) = 9.17, p = 0.008 (p < 0.05) while superior RNFL thickness was 113.59 µm, SD = 16.29, p ≤ 0.001 (p < 0.05). RNFL thickness fairly correlate with severity of the disease (AHI), superior RNFL with R = 0.293, R² = 0.087, p = 0.030 (p < 0.05), and nasal RNFL R = 0.292, R² = 0.085, p = 0.032. No significant difference and correlation observed on ONH parameters. In control group, mean of average RNFL thickness was 98.96 µm, SD = 10.50, p = 0.008 (p < 0.05) while superior RNFL thickness was 125.76 µm, SD = 14.93, p ≤ 0.001 (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The mean of the average and superior RNFL thickness were significantly lower in the OSA group compare to control. Regression analysis showed RNFL thickness having significantly linear relationship with the AHI, specifically involving the superior and nasal quadrant.

Keyword

Apnea; Apnoea-hypopnoea index; Optic disk; Optic nerve ischemia; Retina