Primary open-angle glaucoma is associated with sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction: The etiology of primary open-angle glaucoma remains unclear. Various risk factors, including vascular abnormalities, have been associate d with this disease. Sleep-associated diseases, like sleep apnea syndrome, might also represent a risk factor. Sleep apnea syndrome is characterized b y repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep, inducing hypoxia and s leep disruption with the risk of cardiovascular and neurological sequelae. In this study, we determined the prevalence of sleep apnea syndrome in prim ary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: Overnight transcutaneous finger oximetry was performed in 30 consecutive patients having primary open-angle glaucoma. We assessed the oximetry disturbance index during night sleep, a parameter used to diagnose sleep apnea syndrome and to grade its severity. Results: Sleep apnea syndrome was more prevalent among primary open-angle glaucoma patients compared to normal historic controls of the same age and sex distribution (chi(2) = 9.35, d.f. = 3, p < 0.025). The oximetry disturb ance index grade was significantly larger in the primary open-angle glaucom a group compared to normal controls (U = 3,352, p = 0.01). According to the oximetry disturbance index, 20% (6/30) of primary open-angle glaucoma pati ents had sleep apnea syndrome. Conclusion: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a ssociated with sleep apnea syndrome. Early recognition and treatment of sle ep apnea syndrome are important to avoid cardiovascular and neurological co mplications. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.