Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for beta-radiation-induced scleral necrosis.

BACKGROUND

Beta-radiation has been used since 1950 as a postoperative measure to reduce the recurrence of pterygia. Scleral necrosis has been a major complication after radiotherapy that has led to perforation of the globe, endophthalmitis, and visual loss in some cases.

METHOD: A patient is presented in whom scleral necrosis developed 25 days after a pterygiectomy with bare sclera technique followed by 3000 cGy in 3 weekly, divided doses of strontium 90. After a conjunctival graft failure, the patient was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

RESULTS

The sclera revascularized and returned to nearly normal thickness after 14 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be an effective treatment for acute scleral necrosis after postoperative beta-radiation.