What Researchers Did
Researchers measured the corneal thickness and eye chamber dimensions of 92 patients before and immediately after a single HBOT session to see how oxygen under pressure affects the eye.
What They Found
Central corneal thickness decreased significantly after HBOT (529.7 µm to 526.6 µm, p=0.002), and corneal volume also dropped, while anterior chamber volume increased. These changes occurred in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, though diabetic patients had lower baseline anterior chamber volumes. All changes were small and their long-term clinical significance is not yet established.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients receiving HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers or other conditions, this study shows that HBOT causes small but measurable changes in corneal dimensions during treatment. These changes are not harmful based on current evidence, but patients with pre-existing glaucoma or other eye conditions should inform their HBOT team, as pressure changes inside the eye may be relevant to their ongoing eye care.
Canadian Relevance
Diabetic foot ulcers are a covered OHIP indication for HBOT in Ontario. The corneal findings in diabetic patients in this study are relevant to Canadian diabetic patients undergoing HBOT.
Study Limitations
Measurements were taken only immediately after a single HBOT session, whether these changes persist or accumulate with repeated sessions was not studied.