Oculomics and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Objective: To map and describe the existing evidence on ocular biomarkers, including imaging-derived and classic ophthalmic findings, for the diagnosis, screening, and prognosis of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Introduction: OSA is a condition in which the upper airway narrows or collapses during sleep. Moderate-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing has been reported in 23.4% of women and 49.7% of men over 40 years of age. Although polysomnography is the diagnostic gold standard, it is costly and resource-intensive, which motivates the search for accessible, non-invasive markers. The eye is not spared in OSA; its involvement reflects both mechanical and vascular sequelae of the disease. These observations fit within the emerging field of oculomics, a novel term describing the analysis of ocular changes that may indicate diseases or conditions elsewhere in the body. However, the available evidence is dispersed across imaging modalities, outcomes and populations, and has not been comprehensively mapped. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. This approach will allow us to map the existing literature published between 2021 and 2026 on the use of ocular biomarkers for the diagnosis, screening, and prognosis of adults with OSA. Searches will be performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science using a strategy combining controlled vocabulary and free-text terms. Four reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts, and will chart data using a standardised extraction form. Results will be presented in tables and figures with a narrative synthesis. The protocol was registered at OSF. Expected results: The aim is to generate a global mapping of the available evidence, identifying emerging technologies, therapeutic applications, benefits, limitations and research gaps to guide future innovative and equitable strategies in the diagnosis, screening and prognosis of adults with OSA.