[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Is it a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy?]

The goal of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

We performed a comparative study including 60 type 2 diabetics separated into 2 groups: a 1st group composed of 20 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and a 2nd group composed of 40 patients without this syndrome. The two groups were matched for age and length of diabetes. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination.

In both groups, the mean patient age was 59 years, the diabetes had been present for an average of 10 years, and the HbA1c was 10%. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed in 11 patients from the 1st group (55%) and 6 cases from the 2nd group (15%) (P=0.03). Non-proliferative and proliferative retinopathy were found in 7 cases (35%) and 4 cases (20%), respectively, in the 1st group and in 3 cases (7.5%) in the 2nd group for both types (P=0.03 and P=0.042, respectively). Diabetic macular edema was observed in 4 patients (20%) in the 1st group and 2 patients (5%) in the 2nd group (P=0.04).

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is an independent risk factor for the appearance and aggravation of diabetic retinopathy. This underscores the importance of systematic screening for, and timely management of, sleep apnea.