What Researchers Did
Researchers examined the optical components and refractive changes in 16 phakic and 6 pseudophakic patients receiving 20 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What They Found
A significant myopic shift (≥ -0.50 D) was observed in 26 (81%) phakic eyes, with median shifts of -0.63 D in the right eye and -0.69 D in the left eye. Pseudophakic patients, however, experienced no myopic shift, showing median refractive changes of +0.06 D and +0.13 D. These findings indicate that myopic shifts during HBO therapy are specific to phakic eyes and are attributed to changes in the crystalline lens.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with natural lenses undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be aware of potential temporary nearsightedness. They may need temporary vision correction or be reassured that these refractive changes are expected and often reversible.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its relatively small sample size and the lack of long-term follow-up to assess the reversibility of refractive changes.