Japanese Hyperbarics Abstract

I have linked to quite a few hyperbaric studies. After reading through the research, I have come to my own conclusion. It seems as if hyperbarics must be continued in order to maintain the same level of visual improvements it provides. However, it does not seem to need to be at the same intensity.

The German case study seems to be the most easy to replicate. The patients in the Italian study went every day for two years. This would not be practical for most people. However, the German case study in which the patient started with an intense schedule for four months, tapering off to five treatments per month thereafter, seems more practical. He is maintaining his improvements.

So, it is my belief that in order to keep the gains one must continue HBOT to some degree. It is encouraging to know the patient in the case study is able to maintain his visual gains by going five consecutive times per month.

It is important to use a "hard chamber" with hospital grade oxygen. It is also critical to note how many atmospheres of oxygen are being used and for how long.

Mechanism of action? Hmm...Well, the simple answer would be that it saturates the blood with oxygen thus providing more nourishment to the ailing retinal cells. However, hyperbarics constricts vessels. So, either the hyperoxygenation of the blood is so beneficial that it more than compensates for the constricted vasculature OR there are additional/ other factors at play.

One of the articles I link to discusses how exposure to hyperbarics increases the number or circulating stem cells in situ. Our body has its own stem cells which cruise around and do their work. One of the articles discusses how exposure to hyperbarics increases the number of these stem cells significantly. So, this also could be a factor in its effects as well as the fact that, even ten years later if you believe the Italian study, the hyperbaric group maintained more vision than the controls.

There is also a nitric oxide component which is interesting. I know, I need a new hobby. Wine tasting is the only one on the radar and it seems like a slippery slope in to overindulgence! I mean, whomever decided that a red wine glass should be the size of a small globe?! :)