Hyperbaric oxygen treatment up to the pressure of 0.3 MPa significantly improves pathologic situations in which hypoxia and ischemia prevail. Hyperbaric oxygen improves visual function in patients with diabetic retinopathy, chroníc macular edema associated with retinal veín occlusion, occlusion of the centrál retinal artery. Side effects of oxygen, such as myopia, cataract in elderly patients, where long-lasting hyperbaric oxygen inhalation is necessary, can be prevented by antioxidants and adhering to the recommended num- ber of exposures

        Key words: hyperbaric oxygen therapy - diabetic retinopathy