Visual Outcomes Following Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Acute Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neovascularization
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is a critical condition leading to sudden vision loss.
• Prompt intervention is crucial for visual recovery in CRAO patients.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve outcomes for CRAO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol in patients with CRAO.
• To compare the visual outcomes of the novel HBOT protocol against standard non-HBOT care.
• To assess the impact of HBOT on visual acuity (VA) within 24 hours of CRAO onset.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
• Patients with CRAO presenting within 24 hours were included.
• 17 patients received the novel HBOT protocol; 32 received standard care. Exclusions included rt-PA treatment or complications.

Main Results:

• The HBOT group showed a significantly higher rate of VA improvement (≥0.3 logMAR) at discharge (76.5% vs. 40.6%, p=0.02).
• Mean logMAR VA at discharge was significantly better in the HBOT group (1.4 ± 0.8) compared to the non-HBOT group (2.0 ± 0.8).
• Improved VA was maintained at one-month follow-up in the HBOT group.

Conclusions:

• The novel HBOT protocol demonstrated potential benefits for visual recovery in CRAO patients presenting within 24 hours.
• The findings suggest HBOT may be a valuable adjunct treatment for acute CRAO.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and guide clinical adoption.