Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with total bilateral blindness: A 10-year prospective study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Sleep Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent and linked to cardiovascular issues and reduced quality of life.
• Total bilateral blindness (TBB) disrupts circadian rhythms, potentially increasing OSA risk.
• Understanding sleep-disordered breathing in TBB is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of OSA and other sleep-disordered breathing conditions in patients with TBB.
• To investigate the relationship between TBB, circadian desynchronization, and sleep disorders.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study over 10 years with 19 TBB patients.
• Utilized clinical interviews, STOP-BANG and ESS questionnaires, and overnight polysomnography.
• Assessed sleep architecture and circadian rhythm patterns.

Main Results:

• 63.2% of TBB patients had moderate to severe OSA, more common in males.
• Significant sleep architecture alterations were noted.
• High frequency of circadian desynchronization, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, was observed.

Conclusions:

• TBB patients exhibit a significantly higher OSA prevalence than the general population.
• Circadian desynchronization, secondary to lack of light perception, is a probable cause.
• Systematic screening for sleep-disordered breathing in TBB is warranted due to health and quality-of-life implications.