Hyperbaric oxygen promotes rabbit conjunctival healing

Hyperbaric oxygen has been reported to have a positive effect on the healing of radiation-induced scleral necrosis following pterygium excision. The influence of hyperbaric oxygen on healing of mitomycin C-and cautery-induced scleral necrosis was tested in a rabbit model. Scleral necrosis was induced by conjunctival excision to bare sclera, wound cauterization, and regular topical application of mitomycin C. The latter two maneuvers were made to obliterate episcleral vasculature and to prevent, as much as possible, conjunctival cell regrowth. A readily identifiable level of scleral necrosis was achieved at 45 days postconjunctival removal and oxygen therapy was begun. Six animals received hyperbaric oxygen treatment for 2 h per day at 2 atm 95% oxygen for 17 days while another six animals, with similar scleral lesions, remained at room air. Lesions were photographed at regular intervals from the initiation of oxygen therapy and assessed in a masked, independent manner by three evaluators. This evaluation indicated that hyperoxygenation was of apparent benefit in promoting healing of the necrotic lesion.