POSAG Trial: Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Glaucoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
POSAG Trial: Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Glaucoma Prospective observational controlled trial of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
IRAS ID
183820
Contact name
Ian Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) is an eye disease which can lead to irreversible loss of vision caused by damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. It is often associated with raised fluid pressure in the eye and treated by lowering this pressure. However, despite treatment, some patients continue to lose vision and it is suspected that other factors are contributing to the optic nerve damage. Among them is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a common condition which involves repetitive narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep leading to breathing interruption and low oxygen levels leading to changes in blood pressure. However, the link between OAG and OSA is controversial.
This study aims to determine whether the prevalence of OSA is higher in patients with OAG in comparison to people without glaucoma. In addition, we will establish whether OSA is an independent risk factor for OAG and whether a future randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of OSA treatment with Continues Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) on OAG outcomes, would be acceptable and feasible in this population. The usefulness of OSA screening tools, including oximetry and questionnaires will be determined.
The study is a collaborative project between sleep specialists at Papworth Hospital and ophthalmologists at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and will involve patients attending glaucoma clinic and their relatives who will act as the control group. Two study visits will be required on consecutive days. Participants will undergo standard eye examination and a sleep study in the form of respiratory polysomnography (respiratory PSG) at home. A brief medical history along with a few clinical measurements will be taken and participants will be asked to complete four brief questionnaires. In addition, we will be collecting and storing blood samples which could be used for future studies including genetic research.REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0292
Date of REC Opinion
24 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion