What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively analyzed 13 patients with acute retinal artery occlusion who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy between 2013 and 2018 to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
What They Found
Arterial hypertension was the most common risk factor (53.8%), and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) occurred in 69.2% of cases, while branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) occurred in 30.8%. Clinically significant visual improvement was observed in 55.5% of CRAO patients and 75% of BRAO patients, with a median time of 9 hours from symptom onset to treatment and a median of 7 HBOT sessions without complications.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a safe and effective treatment option for Canadian patients experiencing acute retinal artery occlusion, a condition currently lacking approved treatments. Early administration of HBOT could potentially lead to improved visual outcomes for those affected by this sight-threatening condition.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The primary limitation of this study is its retrospective design and small sample size of only 13 patients.