Risks

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally a safe procedure. Complications are rare. But this treatment does carry some risk.

Potential risks include:

• Middle ear injuries, including leaking fluid and eardrum rupture, due to changes in air pressure
• Temporary nearsightedness (myopia) caused by temporary eye lens changes
• Lung collapse caused by air pressure changes (barotrauma)
• Seizures as a result of too much oxygen (oxygen toxicity) in your central nervous system
• Lowered blood sugar in people who have diabetes treated with insulin
• In certain circumstances, fire — due to the oxygen-rich environment of the treatment chamber