Visual function
Ophthalmic teams document visual acuity and retinal findings before and after treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for retinal artery occlusion
Sudden loss of vision is an emergency. Call 911 or seek emergency care now; do not wait for a routine consultation.
Retinal artery occlusion research & care · Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for retinal artery occlusion
For central retinal artery occlusion, early assessment can make a critical difference to the treatment options available.
RX-O2 offers a physician-led conversation about the evidence, your diagnosis, and the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your broader care plan. Our Scottsdale and Glendale teams serve patients across the Phoenix area.
Research reports encouraging visual improvement in selected patients receiving early HBOT. Retinal artery occlusion is a time-sensitive emergency requiring immediate ophthalmic and stroke evaluation. Explore the evidence below.
Physician-led care in Scottsdale and Glendale, serving the Phoenix area.
Physician-ledIndividual assessment and treatment planning
FDA-cleared chambersMedical hard-shell hyperbaric equipment
100% medical oxygenDelivered through a mask or hood
NHSA-certified techniciansPreparation, monitoring, and communication
The starting point
Protecting vision begins with urgent assessment
Central retinal artery occlusion, or CRAO, interrupts blood flow to the retina. Sudden painless loss of vision in one eye can be a warning sign that requires immediate emergency assessment.
HBOT increases dissolved oxygen and may help support threatened retinal tissue while the medical team evaluates the blockage and wider vascular risks. Suitability depends on timing, examination findings, and local emergency pathways.
The clinical context matters. Do not delay emergency or stroke evaluation to arrange a chamber appointment. HBOT, when considered, belongs within a coordinated emergency plan.
Connect the research to your goals
What matters in daily life?
Time to assessment
Early presentation is a key factor in the available studies and in emergency decision-making.
Vascular follow-up
Evaluation of the cause and future vascular risk remains essential even if vision improves.
Your goals help shape the conversation and provide a useful way to follow progress if treatment is prescribed.
Explore the evidence
Retinal artery occlusion & HBOT research
Explore the findings behind the conversation. These selected publications highlight reported benefits, the patients studied, and the questions researchers are still working to answer.
Literature checked
October 20, 2026
2026 · Systematic review and meta-analysis
A 2026 review found a favorable visual signal
Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026.
Read the publicationA meta-analysis of 12 studies reported pooled findings favoring HBOT for visual outcomes in CRAO. Earlier treatment, particularly within 12 hours in the included analyses, was associated with greater improvement.
How to interpret it: Studies differed substantially and much of the evidence was observational. The review does not establish a guaranteed response or a universal time cutoff.
2017 · Retrospective clinical study
A clinical series highlighted early patient selection
Hadanny A, et al. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.). 12/29/2016.
Read the publicationA retrospective study of 128 selected patients treated within 20 hours of symptom onset reported visual improvement. Retinal examination findings were associated with response.
How to interpret it: There was no randomized untreated comparison, and the selected population limits generalization. Examination findings and rapid specialist assessment matter.
What this means for your decision
The visual recovery signal supports prompt specialist consideration in appropriately selected cases. Ongoing research is clarifying patient selection and the added benefit beyond other care. Your emergency team should direct immediate treatment and any hyperbaric referral.
Plan with your care team
Start with your diagnosis and a coordinated plan
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Share the relevant records
An urgent referral should include the exact symptom-onset time, ophthalmic findings, visual acuity, and emergency or stroke-team assessment.
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Agree on the purpose of treatment
Review the evidence with your treating specialist and hyperbaric clinician. Identify specific outcomes to follow, the alternatives, and the reasons HBOT may or may not be appropriate.
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Set reassessment points
If treatment is prescribed, discuss the schedule, travel, costs, safety screening, and how progress will be reviewed. A published study schedule does not determine an individual prescription.
Your consultation is an opportunity to ask about expected benefits, treatment experience, scheduling, costs, and follow-up. We review suitability with you and coordinate with your treating clinicians when appropriate.
The RX-O2 difference
A team and setting you can get to know
Medical oversight from the start
Medical Director Marvin A. Borsand, DO, FACOS, FACCS, HCC, leads clinical oversight. A licensed medical provider reviews suitability and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medical hyperbaric equipment
Our clinics use FDA-cleared hard-shell chambers. You breathe 100% medical oxygen through a mask or hood while the chamber is pressurized with air.
Preparation and communication
NHSA-certified hyperbaric technicians explain the visit and monitor treatment. Tell us about ear pressure, positioning, mobility, or confinement concerns before you arrive.
Before your visit
Retinal artery occlusion FAQs
What should I do about sudden vision loss?
Seek emergency care immediately. Do not wait for an outpatient consultation or assume that painless vision loss can wait.
Can HBOT restore all lost vision?
Some patients improve, but full recovery is not assured. Timing, retinal findings, and the underlying vascular problem influence the discussion.
Is HBOT the only assessment needed?
No. Ophthalmic and stroke or vascular evaluation remain essential. A chamber treatment does not identify or address every cause of arterial blockage.
Where can I discuss this research near Phoenix?
RX-O2 has clinics in Scottsdale and Glendale. Bring your records or ask your provider to send a referral so that the team can review your circumstances and explain whether an outpatient consultation is appropriate.
Local care, two Valley locations
Explore HBOT in Scottsdale or Glendale
Looking for a hyperbaric consultation near Phoenix? RX-O2 offers two locations for patients across the Valley. Call the clinic closest to you for appointment availability and help planning repeat visits.
RX-O2 Scottsdale
9035 E Pima Center Parkway #11Scottsdale, AZ 85258
An East Valley option for patients in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and nearby communities.
RX-O2 Glendale
5626 N 51st AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301
A West Valley option for patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, and nearby communities.
Bring your questions. Explore your options.
After urgent medical needs have been addressed, ask your treating team whether an outpatient hyperbaric consultation has a role.
Sources & further reading
- Publication indexed in PubMed. 2026. A 2026 review found a favorable visual signal.
- Hadanny A, et al. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.). 12/29/2016. A clinical series highlighted early patient selection.
Browse the complete HBOT research library · Learn how HBOT works
Selected research checked October 20, 2026. Evidence continues to evolve. This educational overview supports a conversation with your treating clinician; individual results vary.
Read HBOT safety and treatment FAQs. Discuss treatment risks, medicines, implants, and relevant medical history with your clinician. Equipment clearance does not establish effectiveness for every condition.