What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing the myopic shift associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatment when oxygen was delivered via a hood versus an oronasal mask.
What They Found
They found that the myopic shift was significantly greater with the hood system, measuring -0.92 D at 20 treatments and -1.25 D at 30 treatments, compared to -0.52 D and -0.63 D with the mask, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). Recovery of vision was also slower and less complete in the hood group at both four and 12 weeks.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment should discuss oxygen delivery methods with their care team, as using an oronasal mask may reduce the temporary myopic shift. This could lead to less pronounced and faster recovery of vision compared to a hood system.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or by Canadian researchers.
Study Limitations
A limitation was that not all patients were available for follow-up assessments at four and 12 weeks after treatment completion.