What Researchers Did
The researchers randomly assigned 111 patients with open-angle glaucoma to either a control group or an experimental group receiving hyperbaric oxygenation with varying numbers of sessions.
What They Found
Visual acuity and mean intraocular pressure did not show a statistically significant difference after treatment or during follow-up. However, visual field values increased significantly (P < 0.01) in subgroups receiving 15, 20, or 30 hyperbaric oxygen sessions, but not in the 10-session subgroup. This improvement was maintained at three months but not at six months, with the 20-session course recommended for initial treatment.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with open-angle glaucoma might consider discussing hyperbaric oxygen therapy with their ophthalmologist as a potential adjunctive treatment to improve visual field, particularly if a 20-session course is feasible. However, they should be aware that while initial visual field improvements may occur, these benefits might not be sustained long-term.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is that the observed improvements in visual field were not sustained at the six-month follow-up.