Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for choroidal neovascularization: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neovascularization Research
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of blindness in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Current treatments like VEGF blockade are not always effective in improving vision.
• Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy presents a potential alternative or complementary treatment for CNV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy for active choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
• To assess HBO2 as a monotherapy or adjunct to anti-VEGF treatment in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients.

Main Methods:

• Seven patients with active CNV underwent 10 daily sessions of HBO2 (2 atm abs, 120 minutes each).
• Patients with persistent CNV activity received standard anti-VEGF treatment post-HBO2 therapy.
• Central retinal thickness and volume changes were analyzed using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Five out of seven patients demonstrated anatomical improvement after HBO2 therapy.
• One patient maintained their anatomical status, while one showed worsening.
• Average follow-up was 150 days, with baseline CNV area of 14.42 mm² and diameter of 4.56 mm.

Conclusions:

• HBO2 therapy appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for active CNV.
• HBO2 may help delay the progression of CNV.
• It can be considered as a monotherapy or in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab for wet AMD patients.