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Hyperoxic myopia: a case series of four divers
Jonathan W Brügger1, Glenn A Rauscher1, John P Florian1
1Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City Beach, Florida U.S.
Summary
Four wet divers developed temporary nearsightedness after prolonged oxygen exposure. This condition, hyperoxic myopia, resolved within weeks, highlighting risks associated with intensive diving and elevated oxygen partial pressures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diving Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Hyperoxic myopia, a vision change linked to increased oxygen exposure, is rarely reported in wet divers.
- Previous cases in wet divers involved longer durations and higher oxygen exposures than observed in this series.
Observation:
- Four U.S. Navy divers experienced myopic shifts after five consecutive 6-hour dives at 1.35 atmospheres (ATM) PO2.
- Symptoms of blurry vision and refractive shift appeared within 3-4 days post-diving.
- Vision spontaneously resolved within 2-3 weeks without lasting effects.
Findings:
- This case series confirms hyperoxic myopia in wet divers under specific, concentrated exposure conditions (1.35 ATM PO2 for 30 hours over 5 days).
- The observed exposure was less intense than in previously reported wet diver cases.
- Hyperoxic myopia remains a risk for divers exposed to PO2 levels between 1.3-1.6 ATM.
Implications:
- Intensive diving protocols with elevated oxygen partial pressures pose a risk for ocular toxicity, specifically hyperoxic myopia.
- Further research is needed to establish precise risk factors and safe PO2 limits for divers.
- Understanding these limits is crucial for preventing vision impairment in diving operations.
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