What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective non-randomized cohort study to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in 46 patients with type 2 diabetes.
What They Found
Researchers found a statistically significant increase in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) values compared to baseline (p < 0.001), with no significant changes in central corneal thickness or retinal nerve fiber layer values. Specifically, IOP levels rose above 21 mmHg in 15.2% (seven eyes) of patients, and these individuals had significantly higher mean hemoglobin A1c values (8.2 ± 0.9 mg/dL) compared to those with lower IOP.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) should be aware of the potential for increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Regular monitoring of IOP is advisable for these patients, especially if their blood glucose levels are not well-controlled, to mitigate risks.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada nor involved Canadian researchers or participants.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its prospective non-randomized cohort design and relatively small sample size of 46 patients.