Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

What effect does hyperbaric oxygen therapy have on presbyopia?

1. Worsening of condition

2. Improvement of condition

3. No effect

4. Causes blindness

The correct answer is: Improvement of condition

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can influence various physiological processes in the body. In the context of presbyopia, which is the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve the condition by enhancing oxygen delivery to the eye's tissues. The increased oxygen supply can help promote the healing and regeneration of the tissues in the eye, specifically in regards to elasticity and flexibility within the lens. This may lead to improved accommodative function, potentially alleviating some of the symptoms associated with presbyopia. The therapy may also support overall ocular health, reducing the likelihood of other age-related conditions that can exacerbate visual difficulties. While the direct effects of HBOT on presbyopia specifically may not be comprehensively established in all studies, the potential for improvement arises from the therapy's general benefits on tissue oxygenation and metabolism, contributing positively to the visual functions that are impaired in presbyopia.