The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in ophthalmology

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a primary or adjuvant therapeutic method used in treatment of various acute or chronic disorders. Currently, eye diseases are among the off-label use of hyperbaric oxygen. However, there is an increasing body of evidence showing its safety and efficacy in retinal artery occlusion, cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion, scleral thinning and necrosis faced after pterygium surgery, orbital rhino-cerebral mucormycosis, nonhealing corneal edema, and anterior segment ischemia. Its potential to treat some blinding disease has also been pointed out in recent studies. This article constitutes an up-to-date summary of knowledge and therapeutic use of hyperbaric oxygen, and aims to contribute understanding of current and potential use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in ophthalmology.