Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It occurs when the central part of the retina deteriorates, causing irreversible vision loss. This condition is particularly prevalent in individuals over the age of 50 in developed countries, making it a major public health concern.

While there is no cure for AMD, there are a number of treatment options available that can help to slow down the progression of the disease and preserve vision. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one such treatment that has shown promise in clinical studies.

What is HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber at a minimum of 1.3 atmospheres ATM (higher than normal ambient atmospheric pressure, which is 1 atmosphere). The increased pressure causes oxygen to dissolve more quickly into the bloodstream, which can aid to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. This, in turn, stimulates healing and can help with a range of illnesses, including non-healing wounds, radiation injury, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

HBOT has additional health benefits besides increasing oxygen supply. It can, for example, reduce inflammation, encourage the formation of new blood vessels, and boost the immune system.

How does HBOT help with Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Studies have revealed that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may lessen the signs and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a widespread eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. HBOT works by boosting blood flow to the retina and supplying the afflicted areas with a greater amount of oxygen. This can lessen the possibility of experiencing significant vision loss and halt the disease’s course.

Additionally, HBOT can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in addition to enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery, which are two important contributors to the development of AMD. HBOT can also help stop additional retinal damage by lowering inflammation and may even help recover some vision that has been lost.

What does the research say about HBOT and AMD?

In a 2019 study, Zhang et al. discovered that HBOT helped AMD patients’ macular sensitivity and visual acuity significantly. However, the study’s limited sample size and lack of randomization or control make it challenging to draw firm inferences from the findings.

Another investigation conducted in 2018 by Wang et al. suggested that HBOT might lessen the requirement for intravitreal injections of VEGF inhibitors, which are frequently used to treat AMD. According to the study, individuals who got HBOT needed significantly fewer VEGF injections over a 12-month period than those in a control group. The study, however, was also constrained by the study’s small sample size and lack of randomization.

While these studies provide promising evidence for the use of HBOT in the treatment of AMD, more research is needed to determine the best treatment regimen, elucidate the mechanisms by which HBOT may improve vision in AMD patients, and confirm these findings in larger, randomized, controlled trials.

How is HBOT administered?

HBOT is given to patients in a pressurized chamber where they breathe pure oxygen. The therapy usually lasts around 1-2 hours, and patients may undergo many sessions over the course of several weeks, depending on the discretion of the healthcare professional.

It’s crucial to remember that HBOT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, though. Due to underlying medical issues or other causes, some people might not be good candidates for HBOT. To decide whether HBOT is a good option for you, it’s crucial to talk through your alternatives with your healthcare professional.

Overall

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a promising treatment option for individuals with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the retina, HBOT can potentially slow down the progression of the disease and improve visual acuity. While more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, HBOT offers a non-invasive and relatively safe treatment option for those with AMD.

MTC Casa Pance, in joint with our local healthcare facilities, offers a single-place rigid chamber in which you will be able to receive a proper and efficient treatment under the care of the professional medical team who will monitor you and the therapy unit throughout your sessions.

For more information, contact us and request a consultation with a doctor who is an expert in this treatment.