Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves the administration of 100% oxygen at pressures exceeding 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for therapeutic purposes. A rare but potentially overlooked adverse effect of HBOT is the development of cataracts, which involves clouding of the eye’s lens. This condition leads to significant loss of visual acuity and may progress to incapacitating blindness. Nuclear cataracts are the most prevalent type of cataracts that affect the central part of the lens and are commonly found in older patients. Although the exact cause of cataracts is not fully understood, recent evidence indicates that prolonged exposure to oxygen throughout one’s lifetime is a primary contributing factor. This is particularly relevant when it comes to the increased partial pressure of oxygen that reaches the lens as the vitreous humor deteriorates with age.Furthermore, experts attribute cataracts to oxidative and toxic damage to the crystalline lens caused by HBOT. Researchers have linked many reported symptoms to oxygen toxicity of the lens, which can cause myopia and the development and progression of cataracts. Commonly reported symptoms include eyelid twitching, blurry vision, and visual-field disturbances. This activity provides information about the possibility of cataract development in individuals after undergoing HBOT. In addition, this activity aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve patient care for this condition, highlighting the significance of early detection of cataracts induced by HBOT.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/31600
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), General Surgery