Preventable Diving-related Ocular Barotrauma: A Case Report

The mystical beauty of the subaquatic world is undoubtedly attractive, and many techniques and forms of equipment have been developed in the last few decades to allow us to explore the underwater world. A swimmer or diver needs swimming goggles or a diving mask to have clear vision because of the refraction problem between the eye and the water interface. Although these items are effective for clear vision, they can result in “ocular or facial barotrauma of descent” during diving. It is possible to prevent these types of barotrauma with correct techniques and precautions, thus enabling the continuation of recreational diving without recurrence. In this paper, we report a case of subconjunctival hemorrhage caused by breath-hold diving and discuss the causes of ocular barotrauma of descent and preventive measures.