What Researchers Did
Researchers quantified ocular refractive changes and recovery time in 32 patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy via oronasal mask or hood for 21 days.
What They Found
Patients receiving oxygen by mask experienced a myopic shift of approximately -0.55 D in both eyes, which resolved within 6 weeks. Those receiving oxygen by hood had a larger shift of about -1.06 D to -1.10 D, resolving within 10 weeks.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be aware of potential temporary nearsightedness, which may be more pronounced and last longer if oxygen is delivered via a hood. It is important to discuss these potential vision changes with their healthcare provider.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its relatively small sample size, particularly in the group receiving oxygen via a hood.