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

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.