Outcome

The study findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has potential as an auxiliary treatment for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Patients treated with HBOT experienced regression or stabilization of diabetic retinopathy lesions and a decrease in central macular thickness (CMT) compared to the control group.

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. This study explores the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on diabetic retinopathy and macular edema in patients who were already undergoing treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. By comparing two groups — one treated with HBOT and the other not — researchers aimed to understand the impact of HBOT on eye health. The patients who received HBOT underwent 30 sessions each lasting 90 minutes at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Remarkably the study found that HBOT patients showed a regression or stabilization of diabetic retinopathy lesions and a reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) suggesting that HBOT could serve as an additional treatment for managing retinal issues in diabetic retinopathy. These findings underline the potential of HBOT to improve eye health in diabetes patients beyond standard treatments.

Results

The investigation into the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on diabetic retinopathy and macular edema involved two groups of 25 patients each: a treatment group receiving HBOT and a control group that did not. The treatment group underwent 30 sessions of HBOT each lasting 90 minutes at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA) administered five times per week.

Significant improvements were observed in the HBOT group compared to the control group. Notably patients receiving HBOT experienced either a regression or stabilization of diabetic retinopathy lesions. Additionally there was a marked decrease in central macular thickness (CMT) among the HBOT-treated patients.

These outcomes indicate that HBOT can serve as a beneficial adjunctive treatment for diabetic retinopathy by addressing retinal ischemia and capillary hyperpermeability. The reduction in CMT further suggests potential efficacy in improving diabetic macular edema and overall visual health in patients with diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study demonstrates that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has promising potential as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. Patients undergoing HBOT showed a regression or stabilization of diabetic retinopathy lesions and a significant decrease in central macular thickness (CMT). These observations suggest that HBOT can play a crucial role in managing retinal ischemia and capillary hyperpermeability thereby improving overall eye health in diabetic patients. Given these encouraging results further research involving larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods is warranted to firmly establish the efficacy and mechanisms of HBOT in treating diabetic ocular conditions.