Abstract
Purpose :
To present four cases of central retinal artery occlusion that were treated with hyperbaric oxygen, including their long-term visual acuities and complications.
Methods :
This is a retrospective observational case series in a single-center setting. Patients were included who were diagnosed with a non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion, treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and followed for at least one year. Initial and final visual acuities were recorded, as well as risk factors for ocular neovascular disease.
Results :
Four patients were diagnosed with non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion and subsequently treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Two patients with a history of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus developed early-onset ocular neovascularization following treatment, with final visual outcomes of hand motion. One patient with diabetes and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and one patient without diabetes, did not develop ocular neovascularization, and both had improvement in final visual acuity.
Conclusions :
Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for central retinal artery occlusion may require closer monitoring for ocular neovascularization. Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, especially in the setting of diabetes or other conditions that may increase the risk for ocular neovascularization and poorer visual outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.