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Intraocular pressure changes and mountaineering--preliminary observations and possible application
S K Chatterjee1, A Chakraborty
1Calcutta National Medical College, Calcutta.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) can help screen for acute mountain sickness. This study found IOP increases with altitude, particularly in those experiencing symptoms, suggesting IOP as a useful non-invasive test for high-altitude climbers.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Altitude Medicine
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is a potential indirect indicator of intracranial pressure (ICP) due to anatomical connections.
- Acute mountain sickness is linked to increased ICP at high altitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between altitude gain and IOP changes in trekkers.
- To assess the potential of IOP measurement as a non-invasive screening tool for acute mountain sickness.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of healthy mountain trekkers.
- Monitoring IOP changes with increasing altitude.
- Correlation of IOP trends with acute mountain sickness symptoms.
Main Results:
- A gradual increase in IOP was observed with increasing altitude in most participants.
- Two subjects experiencing acute mountain sickness showed a steep rise in IOP.
- Most climbers without significant symptoms exhibited a less pronounced IOP increase.
Conclusions:
- IOP measurement shows a correlation with altitude gain.
- Elevated IOP may indicate a risk for acute mountain sickness in high-altitude climbers.
- IOP measurement could serve as a valuable non-invasive screening tool for trekkers.