HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN PROMOTES RABBIT CONJUNCTIVAL HEALING

Hyperbaric oxygen has been reported to have a positive effect on the h ealing of radiation-induced scleral necrosis following pterygium excis ion. 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 c auterization, and regular topical application of mitomycin C. The latt er two maneuvers were made to obliterate episcleral vasculature and to prevent, as much as possible, conjunctival cell regrowth. A readily i dentifiable level of scleral necrosis was achieved at 45 days postconj unctival removal and oxygen therapy was begun. Six animals received hy perbaric oxygen treatment for 2 h per day at 2 atm 95% oxygen for 17 d ays while another six animals, with similar scleral lesions, remained at room air. Lesions were photographed at regular intervals from the i nitiation of oxygen therapy and assessed in a masked, independent mann er by three evaluators. This evaluation indicated that hyperoxygenatio n was of apparent benefit in promoting healing of the necrotic lesion.