What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated how hard gas permeable contact lenses performed during decompression in a hyperbaric chamber, using 24 exposures across three lens materials and various simulated dive depths and durations.
What They Found
Bubbles formed under all three types of hard gas permeable contact lenses tested. These bubbles were observed at simulated depths as shallow as 1.98 meters (6.5 feet), even after the mildest hyperbaric exposures. The researchers suggest these bubbles likely originate from the tear layer rather than nitrogen offgassing from the eye tissue itself.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Patients wearing hard gas permeable contact lenses who are undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) or diving should be aware of the potential for bubbles forming under their lenses. This phenomenon could affect vision or cause discomfort during treatment or dives. It is advisable for patients to discuss contact lens use with their healthcare provider or dive physician before entering a hyperbaric environment.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers a topic related to decompression, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for conditions like decompression sickness. However, the study itself was not conducted in Canada and does not involve Canadian authors.
Study Limitations
This study focused only on hard gas permeable contact lenses, meaning its findings may not apply to other types of contact lenses or newer materials.