Reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, glaucoma and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Glaucoma involves damage to the trabecular meshwork and retinal ganglion cells, leading to impaired aqueous humor drainage and vision loss.
• Pathological changes in glaucoma are influenced by both vascular and mechanical factors, including intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood flow regulation.
• Oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and reperfusion injury play significant roles in glaucoma pathogenesis, particularly under conditions of elevated IOP or compromised blood flow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of oxidative stress in glaucoma.
• To examine the interaction between vascular and mechanical factors in glaucoma.
• To discuss the implications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on oxidative stress in the eye.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on oxidative stress, glaucoma, and ocular hemodynamics.
• Analysis of the interplay between intraocular pressure, blood flow, and cellular damage.
• Evaluation of the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in glaucoma patients.

Main Results:

• Oxidative stress contributes to trabecular meshwork and retinal ganglion cell damage, exacerbating glaucoma.
• Fluctuations in intraocular pressure and dysregulated blood flow are key contributors to glaucoma progression.
• Activities causing IOP fluctuations can lead to vascular, mechanical, reperfusion, and oxidative stress consequences.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can increase oxidative damage risk, especially when delivered via a hood to the anterior ocular surface.

Conclusions:

• Oxidative stress is a critical factor in glaucoma development and progression.
• A comprehensive understanding of vascular and mechanical interactions is essential for glaucoma management.
• Oronasal mask delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be preferable to minimize ocular surface oxidative stress.