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Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
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Effect of SCUBA Diving on Ophthalmic Parameters
Laurent Deleu1, Janet Catherine2, Laurence Postelmans2
1Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|March 26, 2022
Summary
SCUBA diving temporarily reduces subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in healthy divers, possibly due to endothelial dysfunction. While diving affects various eye parameters, a direct link to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diving Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) cases have been observed in divers.
- The choroid's role in CSC pathophysiology suggests investigating diving's impact on choroidal thickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in ophthalmic parameters, particularly subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), after SCUBA diving.
- To explore potential links between SCUBA diving and CSC development.
Main Methods:
- 15 healthy divers underwent measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP), SFCT, pachymetry, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Measurements were taken before and 30 and 60 minutes after a 25m depth, 25-minute SCUBA dive.
Main Results:
- SFCT significantly decreased 30 minutes post-dive, returning to baseline by 60 minutes.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased initially then increased, while pachymetry showed a transient increase.
- Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) indicated potential endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness post-dive.
Conclusions:
- SCUBA diving induces transient changes in ocular parameters, including reduced SFCT, potentially linked to endothelial dysfunction.
- Despite observed effects on SFCT, the study did not establish a clear relationship between SCUBA diving and CSC.
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