Posterior segment changes of the eye during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Retinal Imaging

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is used for various medical conditions.
• Potential ocular effects of HBO2 therapy require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in central retinal thickness, retinal structures, and ocular blood flow following HBO2 therapy.
• To assess refractive changes and axial length during HBO2 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure retinal thickness and vitreo-retinal structures before and after 19 days of HBO2 therapy.
• Ocular blood flow tonometry assessed pulsatile ocular blood flow.
• Ocular refraction and axial length were monitored.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in mean central retinal thickness (-1.7 ± 1.6 μm) was observed (p < 0.001).
• No significant changes in vitreo-retinal structures or pulsatile ocular blood flow were detected.
• A mean myopic shift of -0.62 ± 0.39 D developed, unrelated to axial length changes.

Conclusions:

• HBO2 therapy led to a minor decrease in central retinal thickness.
• No significant adverse effects on ocular structures or blood flow were identified.
• The observed myopic shift was not correlated with retinal thickness changes.