Transcorneal oxygen therapy for glaucoma associated with sickle cell hyphema.

PURPOSE: To study three patients with glaucoma caused by sickle cell hyphema who were successfully treated with transcorneal oxygen therapy.

METHODS

Case reports. Three patients with increased intraocular pressure caused by sickle cell hyphema were administered transcorneal oxygen therapy using humidified oxygen at a flow rate that ranged from 1 to 3 l/minute.

RESULTS

All three patients had a dramatic reduction in their intraocular pressure within hours of receiving oxygen therapy. No complications were associated with the oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION

Transcorneal oxygen therapy can reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma from sickle cell hyphema. Further study is warranted to evaluate this new therapy.