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Ophthalmic side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
1PACV, Ambulatory Unit, Surgicenter, Boston, MA, USA.
Insight (American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses)
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy can cause vision changes, including lens alterations and refractive shifts. Nurses must be prepared to assess and report these ocular side effects in patients undergoing HBO treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Nursing
Background:
- Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a treatment with known ocular side effects.
- Despite long-standing use, reports on HBO's specific effects on the eye are limited.
- Existing research indicates potential for lens changes and refractive fluctuations (myopic/hyperopic shifts).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ocular side effects associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatments.
- To highlight the need for clear nursing protocols in managing and reporting vision changes during HBO therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ocular effects.
- Analysis of reported cases of vision changes in patients undergoing HBO.
Main Results:
- Documented ocular side effects of HBO include lens changes.
- Reported visual disturbances encompass both hyperopic and myopic shifts.
- The frequency and specific mechanisms of these ocular changes require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can induce significant ocular side effects.
- There is a critical need to define and clarify the nurse's role in assessing and reporting vision changes in patients receiving HBO.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full spectrum of HBO-induced ocular complications and optimize patient care.