Post-op cataract patient

Hi,

I have a radiation cystitis patient that had cataract surgery on one eye on August 24. He needs to start HBO asap but I don't remember how long a patient needs to wait post-op to begin HBO. Thank you, Kristi Hawkins, RRT/CHT

Sep 30, 2022 by Kristi Hawkins,

2 replies

Tiffany Hamm
BSN, RN, CWS, ACHRN, UHMSADS

Hi Kristi,

Thank you for the question. I am going to direct you to a previous response posted on June 28, 2022 by Eugene Gene Worth MD, M.Ed., FABA, ABPM/UHM. The question asked was: Is there a certain timeframe to wait after a pt has cataract surgery prior to starting HBO?

Dr. Worth's response:
That’s a great question, and it is one that should be carefully approached. I’ve had cataract surgery and asked my ophthalmologist the same question. His response is basically:
1. I (the surgeon) would like to know in this situation. So, please give me a call and let’s discuss this.
2. Generally, 7 to 10 days, the corneal incision is healed and will not leak with a Valsalva. It’s about the time when the patient is allowed to shower without an eye guard and shampoo hair.

So, I think that the bottom line is dependent on when the surgeon declares it safe, but probably 7 to 10 days is a safe rule of thumb. I will look up the pertinent papers and update this if I find anything different.

gene worth, MD
Jun 28, 2022

This is a common question for HBO providers. I hope this helps.

Tiffany

Sep 30, 2022

Mike White
MD, UHM, MMM, CWS

Kristi,

I would second Tiffany/Gene's answer. It is best to the the "blessing" of the Optho or, in the case of ear surgery, ENT, before starting HBO.

Sep 30, 2022

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