The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on central corneal thickness and anterior segment parameters

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment modality commonly used for various medical conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and sudden hearing loss. This study aims to evaluate HBOT's effects on central corneal thickness (CCT) and other corneal topographic parameters through comprehensive ophthalmic assessment.

Detailed ophthalmologic examinations and corneal topography measurements were performed on 92 patients with various non-ophthalmologic diseases, both before and immediately after undergoing HBOT. Corneal topography was measured before and after the therapy. The recorded parameters included central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, and corneal volume. The patients were also categorised into two groups: diabetic (n = 22) and non-diabetic (n = 70).

Following treatment, statistically significant reductions were observed in CCT (529.69 ± 31.7 microm vs. 526.63 ± 33 microm, p = 0.002) and corneal volume (58.63 ± 3.71 mm³ vs. 58.21 ± 3.58 mm³, p = 0.016). Conversely, anterior chamber volume significantly increased (124.38 ± 30 mm³ vs. 126.42 ± 30.7 mm³, p = 0.003). Comparative analysis between diabetic and non-diabetic groups revealed no substantial differences in CCT and corneal volume changes following HBOT. However, the diabetic group exhibited significantly lower baseline anterior chamber volume before treatment (p = 0.01 and p = 0.042).

HBOT administration resulted in measurable reductions in CCT and corneal volume, along with an increase in anterior chamber volume, in all treated eyes. The observed decrease in corneal thickness manifested less prominently in diabetic patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts, suggesting potential metabolic influences on corneal response to hyperoxic conditions.