O029 Eyelid-motion dynamics in obstructive sleep apnoea: a potential screening tool

Abstract Introduction Blepharometry quantifies eyelid kinematics with LED sensors (≈500fps), measures have previously linked to moment-to-moment drowsiness. Previous work suggests metrics may differentiate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) from other causes of drowsiness. Optalert Ltd has developed a smartphone application that captures eyelid motion at 60fps with accuracy comparable to LED sensors. Therefore, an app-based test could possibly screen for reduced alertness and underlying OSA. We compared phone-app-derived eyelid metrics in patients with moderate/severe OSA and healthy controls. Methods Participants undergoing diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) for suspected OSA and healthy volunteers completed the 10-min “Count the Diamonds” application, while the phone recorded eyelid position. Participants also completed the KSS, ESS, FSS, Berlin and STOP-BANG questionnaires. Preliminary analysis examined associations between eyelid metrics of spontaneous blinks and OSA severity. Results Data was obtained from 60 participants (moderate/severe OSA) and 30 controls (age 47.5 ± 9.3yrs vs 36.8 ± 8.7yrs; BMI 36.6 ± 5.4kg/m2 vs 23.4 ± 3.1kg/m2; AHI 46.6/hr ±30.1/hr). Compared with controls, the OSA group: Discussion Smartphone blepharometry detects distinct eyelid-movement characteristics in moderate/severe OSA, supporting further development as a potential rapid, low-cost point-of-care screen for both sleepiness and OSA risk.