Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Associated Cataracts

Overview

4.8 out of 5 (30 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

9 Jan 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
Need Help?  If you have a system or content concerns, please contact support@statpearls.com

Activity Description

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.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Differentiate between the expected myopic changes associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and symptoms indicative of cataract development, enabling timely and accurate diagnosis.

  • Implement structured ocular prescreening protocols for patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to identify individuals at risk of cataract formation or progression proactively.

  • Select appropriate interventions and management strategies for patients experiencing cataract-related symptoms following hyperbaric oxygen therapy, considering an individual's overall health and treatment history.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare providers and communicate with patients effectively about the potential ocular complications associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patient-centered care.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Thanks!

Jeffrey D. on 11/28/2020

Daniel B. on 1/21/2021

Michael K. on 2/18/2021

Wesley V. on 3/26/2021

Bo C. on 3/29/2021

shannon p. on 11/28/2021

Brenda P. on 12/20/2021

James l. on 1/24/2022

Tammy Z. on 2/7/2022

Robin O. on 4/28/2022

Julia P. on 6/7/2022

Jose C. on 7/19/2022

Daniel B. on 11/22/2022

Christopher H. on 12/11/2022

paul s. on 12/22/2022

Richard S. on 12/26/2022

Julia P. on 4/12/2023

Patrick R. on 4/17/2023

Good discussion about hyperbaric treatment and its potential complications involving the eye

James W. on 4/18/2023

Douglas W. on 4/28/2023

Juan s. on 5/23/2023

vijay n. on 8/21/2023

Lisa W. on 10/1/2023

Peter L. on 10/18/2023

Denis W. on 11/28/2023

Cynthia M. on 11/10/2023

Lisa W. on 12/13/2023

Tammy Z. on 1/8/2024

James W. on 1/8/2024

Stephanie H. on 2/28/2024

Unlimited Physician CME

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6673 CME activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 7923.5 hours of CME.

Learn About Lifetime CME

Single Activity

Take this single activity

$39 1 activity

6 Month Unlimited Physician CME

Access to all the Unlimited Physician CME activities in all specialties.

$399 per half year per user

1 Year Unlimited Physician CME

Access to all the Unlimited Physician CME activities in all specialties.

$599 per 1 year per user