The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on central corneal thickness and anterior segment parameters


Comerter D., Aslan Y., Issi E. K., Saridogan M., Baysal T., Dogan C. U.

CUTANEOUS AND OCULAR TOXICOLOGY, vol.44, no.2, pp.227-232, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 44 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/15569527.2025.2496640
  • Journal Name: CUTANEOUS AND OCULAR TOXICOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.227-232
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

PurposeHyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment modality commonly used for various medical conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and sudden hearing loss. This study aims to evaluate HBOT's effects on central corneal thickness (CCT) and other corneal topographic parameters through comprehensive ophthalmic assessment.Materials and methodsDetailed ophthalmologic examinations and corneal topography measurements were performed on 92 patients with various non-ophthalmologic diseases, both before and immediately after undergoing HBOT. Corneal topography was measured before and after the therapy. The recorded parameters included central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, and corneal volume. The patients were also categorised into two groups: diabetic (n = 22) and non-diabetic (n = 70).ResultsFollowing treatment, statistically significant reductions were observed in CCT (529.69 +/- 31.7 mu m vs. 526.63 +/- 33 mu m, p = 0.002) and corneal volume (58.63 +/- 3.71 mm(3) vs. 58.21 +/- 3.58 mm(3), p = 0.016). Conversely, anterior chamber volume significantly increased (124.38 +/- 30 mm(3) vs. 126.42 +/- 30.7 mm(3), p = 0.003). Comparative analysis between diabetic and non-diabetic groups revealed no substantial differences in CCT and corneal volume changes following HBOT. However, the diabetic group exhibited significantly lower baseline anterior chamber volume before treatment (p = 0.01 and p = 0.042).ConclusionsHBOT administration resulted in measurable reductions in CCT and corneal volume, along with an increase in anterior chamber volume, in all treated eyes. The observed decrease in corneal thickness manifested less prominently in diabetic patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts, suggesting potential metabolic influences on corneal response to hyperoxic conditions.