Long-Term Outcomes After Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Treated Acutely With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Case Series

Abstract

Purpose: This study assesses the long-term outcomes, including neovascular complications, of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) treated acutely with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Methods: Four cases of CRAO treated acutely with HBOT were reviewed. Visual and structural outcomes were reviewed. Ocular complications including neovascularization were assessed and risk factors determined. Results: Two patients with a history of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) developed early-onset ocular neovascularization within 1 month following treatment, with final vision of light perception over 1 year after injury. One patient with NIDDM and 1 patient without NIDDM did not develop ocular neovascularization; both had improvement in final visual acuity to 20/400 and 20/250, respectively. Conclusions: Patients treated acutely with HBOT for CRAO may require more frequent and earlier monitoring for complications, especially in patients with diabetes. Further research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of HBOT for CRAO, especially in the setting of systemic disease such as diabetes.