Ophthalmology

Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center provides Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an adjunctive treatment for select ophthalmologic conditions involving tissue hypoxia, ischemia, or radiation-induced injury. HBOT is recognized by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) for specific eye conditions and may be considered in cases where tissue oxygenation is compromised.

Common indications include:

• Radiation-induced ocular injury – Delayed tissue damage following radiation therapy for ocular or orbital tumors

• Acute retinal arterial occlusion – Central or branch retinal artery occlusion with acute ischemia

• Compromised ocular grafts or reconstructive procedures – When tissue perfusion is impaired

Clinical Considerations in Ophthalmology

Ocular and periocular tissues are highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Compromised perfusion, post-radiation changes, or acute vascular occlusion can result in:

• Ischemia of retinal or orbital tissues

• Delayed healing following reconstructive or graft procedures

• Risk of permanent tissue damage or vision loss

HBOT may be considered as an adjunctive therapy when conventional treatment alone may not fully address tissue hypoxia.

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT increases oxygen delivery to hypoxic ocular and periocular tissues, supporting tissue viability and recovery in compromised areas. Clinically relevant effects include:

• Improved tissue oxygenation in ischemic retinal or orbital tissue

• Support for post-radiation tissue repair and graft survival

• Adjunctive management of acute vascular occlusions when initiated promptly

Treatment protocols follow UHMS clinical guidelines and are tailored individually to each patient’s condition and ophthalmologist’s plan of care.