Author/Authors :
Sharifipour, Farideh Department of Ophthalmology - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Panahi-Bazaz, Mahmoodreza Department of Ophthalmology - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Idani, Esmaeil Department of Pulmonology - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Malekahmadi, Mohammad Department of Ophthalmology - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences , Feizi, Sepehr Ophthalmic Research Center - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of normobaric oxygen (NBO) therapy for treatment
of scleral ischemia or melt.
Methods: This prospective interventional case series includes 9 eyes of 8 patients with
scleral ischemia or melt of diverse etiologies. Following the failure of conventional
medical and/or surgical therapy to improve ischemia or upon clinical deterioration,
NBO was initiated. All patients received 100% NBO at flow rate of 10 liters/minute by
face mask for 1 hour, twice daily until complete vascularization of ischemic areas. Main
outcome measures were improvement of scleral ischemia and healing of conjunctival
epithelial defects.
Results: NBO therapy led to epithelialization and vascularization of the ischemic sclera
in all eyes; the repair process began 3-4 days after NBO had been initiated and was
completed in 18.1±4.7 (range, 10-25) days. All patients remained stable over a 9-month
follow-up period.
Conclusion: NBO therapy seems effective for treatment of scleral ischemia or melt,
and hence can be considered as a non-invasive alternative to surgical intervention in
these conditions.
