Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) remain leading causes of vision impairment worldwide. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetology evaluated whether HBOT offers measurable benefits in these retinal disorders.

The pooled analysis included five studies encompassing 463 eyes. HBOT produced a modest yet significant improvement in BCVA (mean difference −0.05 LogMAR; 95% CI −0.09 to −0.01; p < 0.05) with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Central macular thickness declined by an average of 75 µm (95% CI −90.04 to −60.38; p < 0.05), though heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 62%), likely reflecting varied patient populations and adjunct therapies.

While HBOT may enhance retinal oxygenation and reduce inflammation, evidence remains preliminary. Larger, well-controlled trials are required to determine its durability and therapeutic positioning in diabetic retinal care.