What Researchers Did
Researchers described a case of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) with retinal and choroidal microvasculature changes secondary to ocular decompression sickness in a scuba diver.
What They Found
A scuba diver experienced a parafoveal serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) with a scotoma and kaleidoscope-like visual disturbance immediately after a diving accident. Multimodal imaging revealed a serous PED, pooling of dye on fluorescein angiography, and decreased flow signal on optical coherence tomography angiography in the deep capillary plexus and choriocapillaris. Over three months, the serous PED spontaneously resolved, and visual acuity improved, though the visual disturbance had not completely resolved.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients who experience visual disturbances after diving should seek prompt ophthalmological evaluation to assess for potential ocular decompression sickness. Early diagnosis through multimodal imaging can help monitor conditions like pigment epithelial detachment, which may resolve spontaneously over time.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it describes a single case from an unspecified location.
Study Limitations
As a case report, the findings are limited to a single individual and may not be generalizable to a broader patient population.