Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is a sight-threatening condition where a blocked artery starves the retina of its vital oxygen supply, causing threatening irreversible blindness if not treated promptly and aggressively.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is a medical emergency that causes sudden vision loss due to a blocked artery supplying oxygen to the retina. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an advanced treatment that can support recovery by delivering high levels of oxygen to retinal tissues and bypassing the occlusion.
In a hyperbaric chamber, the air pressure is increased to levels higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This “supercharges” your blood with dissolved oxygen—far beyond what’s possible under normal conditions. The result is a steep oxygen gradient that allows oxygen to diffuse into areas where normal blood flow is blocked, reaching the retina even with an occluded artery.
The occlusion in CRAO can act like a tiny dam cutting off vital oxygen. HBOT applies pressure that reduces the size of gas bubbles and microemboli, helping loosen or shrink the obstruction. This restores partial blood flow, delivering oxygen to the oxygen-starved retinal tissue and potentially preventing permanent damage.
CRAO often triggers inflammation in the retina, further damaging the tissue. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps suppress this inflammation, protecting delicate retinal cells and supporting a healthier recovery environment.
HBOT promotes angiogenesis—the development of new capillaries and blood vessels. This can create alternative pathways for oxygen-rich blood to reach the retina, improving circulation and long-term visual outcomes even if the original artery remains partially blocked.
In oxygen-deprived conditions, retinal cells begin to die quickly. HBOT acts like a stabilizing shield, restoring oxygen levels and reducing the risk of irreversible cellular injury. It helps preserve the function and structure of retinal tissue during a critical treatment window.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden, painless vision loss, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is most effective when administered as soon as possible after CRAO onset.
These are like microscopic hitchhikers in the bloodstream, often arising from cholesterol deposits or blood clots in other arteries. They can travel and lodge in the central retinal artery, causing a sudden blockage.
This build-up of fatty deposits thickens and hardens artery walls, narrowing the flow of blood. In severe cases, a piece of this plaque can break off and travel as an embolus, leading to CRAO.
Certain inflammatory conditions like giant cell arteritis can affect the walls of the retinal artery, causing them to swell and narrow, eventually leading to blockage.
Chronically high blood pressure puts constant strain on the arteries, making them more vulnerable to damage and potentially leading to blood clot formation and subsequent blockage.
This chronic condition can weaken blood vessel walls and contribute to blood clotting, increasing the risk of CRAO.
Trauma: Injuries to the eye can damage the central retinal artery.
Certain medications: Some medications can rarely have side effects that increase the risk of blood clots.
Anatomical variations: In some individuals, the central retinal artery may be naturally narrower or have unusual branches, making it more susceptible to blockage.
If you experience sudden vision loss in one eye, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for minimizing potential damage and preserving vision.
1. Sudden, Complete Vision Loss: This is the most dramatic and defining symptom. Imagine a curtain drawn across your eye; everything in that field of vision disappears like a light switch flipped off.
2. No Pain: Unlike many eye conditions, CRAO is pain-free. The lack of pain can be misleading, making it tempting to delay seeking urgent medical attention.
3. Floating Black Spots (Floaters): While common with age, a sudden increase in floaters, especially black or cobweb-like ones, can be a warning sign.
4. Tunnel Vision: The remaining vision in the affected eye might narrow, like looking through a narrow tube, further highlighting the central vision loss.
5. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Light might become uncomfortable or even unbearable in the affected eye.
Diagnosing Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) relies on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific tests:
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, any potential risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, and any recent history of injuries or medical procedures.
Fundoscopic examination: This uses a special magnifying lens to examine the retina. In CRAO, the retina appears pale and swollen, with a distinctive cherry-red spot at the fovea (central vision area).
Pupillary light reflex: Checking how the pupils react to light can help distinguish CRAO from other causes of vision loss.
Visual acuity test: Measures your remaining vision.
Fluorescein angiography: Dyes injected into the arm highlight blood flow within the retina, revealing the location and extent of the blockage.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images of the retina, helping assess damage to its layers.
Blood tests: May be ordered to check for risk factors like high cholesterol or blood clotting disorders.
From chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions, to sleep disorders and plastic surgery recovery, our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is designed to navigate a wide array of health challenges, guiding you towards optimal wellness through targeted, individualized strategies.
With chronic diabetes, impaired circulation reduces wound healing capability and promotes ulcerations.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the amount of oxygen available to ulcerated areas, leading to increased fibroblast activation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising new treatment for PTSD that may help by increasing brain oxygen, reducing inflammation, and promoting neuroplasticity. Research suggests HBOT could improve symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances in veterans struggling with PTSD
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to help combat degenerative conditions by contributing to the regeneration of tissue & blood vessels.
It also stimulates angiogenesis in areas of the body where circulation is compromised.
Cancer thrives in hypoxic environments. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to increase these oxygen levels to weaken tumors and reduce their aggressiveness.
Try Hyperbaric Therapy Today as part of your integrated treatments!
Some individuals continue to face symptoms of COVID-19 for over four weeks post-diagnosis, often referred to as post-COVID-19 conditions
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been found helpful in supporting long COVID recovery.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to support stroke recovery through several different mechanisms.
It can be used to precondition the brain by stimulating angiogenesis, producing more circulatory pathways throughout the brain, and potentially decreasing the chance of stroke.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been increasingly used in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and has shown potential benefits in promoting wound healing, reducing the risk of infection, and improving the survival of tissues used in reconstructive procedures. Many surgeons recommend HBOT to their patients.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently recognizes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for 14 medical conditions, all of which are generally covered.
Below, you will find links to resources pertaining to the FDA approved conditions and use cases for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. If you have any questions, schedule a consultation with our Hyperbaric Medical Doctor.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may also benefit many other conditions not yet approved by the FDA.
Use of HBOT for over 60 medical conditions is approved by other countries around the world and supported by significant, long-standing research. Below is a list of non-covered conditions that have major researched benefits yet to be approved by insurance.
From chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions, to sleep disorders and plastic surgery recovery, our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is designed to navigate a wide array of health challenges, guiding you towards optimal wellness through targeted, individualized strategies.
Generally, HBOT is considered safe when administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional in a reputable facility. However, it’s essential to understand both the potential benefits and risks before undergoing treatment.
Here’s a breakdown of safety considerations:
Minimal side effects: Most people experience only mild, temporary side effects like ear pressure, fatigue, and sinus discomfort. These usually resolve quickly on their own or with simple measures.
Non-invasive and painless: The treatment itself is comfortable and does not involve needles or surgery.
No drug interactions: HBOT doesn’t interact with medications unless specifically noted by your doctor.
The number of sessions required depends on the condition and individual response. Typically, a treatment plan involving multiple sessions over several weeks is needed. Speak to our Hyperbaric Medical Doctor to get guidance on if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is right for you and your condition, and what you can expect in each of your sessions.
At our Hyperbaric Therapy Wellness Center in Hollywood! We provide expertly administered hyperbaric treatments overseen by Dr. Safa Maklad, a hyperbaric certified physician. We are committed to upholding stringent hyperbaric safety protocols and ensure the highest standards of care.
The office offers 100% cotton robes to wear during your treatment. During your consultation, we will thoroughly discuss the list of approved and restricted items for the chamber.
It’s best to have a light meal several hours beforehand to avoid nausea. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol within 24 hours of your session.
Staying hydrated beforehand can help your body absorb oxygen more efficiently. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise may also enhance treatment outcomes.
Some people experience increased energy and improved focus after a session. Others might feel tired or have slight muscle aches, which usually resolve within a day or two.
Treatment response varies depending on the condition being treated and individual factors. It’s crucial to follow our recommended treatment plan and discuss any noticeable changes or lack of progress after several sessions.
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