Tear Break-up Time in High Altitude Areas

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• High altitude environments present unique challenges to ocular health.
• Low humidity, windy conditions, and high UV radiation contribute to tear film abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate tear film abnormalities in individuals residing in high altitude areas.
• To correlate environmental factors with ocular discomfort and conditions like pterygium.

Main Methods:

• Tear Break-up Time (TBUT) was measured in 100 subjects in Ladakh.
• Subjects included both local populations and those relocated from plains.

Main Results:

• 24% of individuals exhibited an abnormal TBUT (< 5 seconds).
• Symptomatic individuals with abnormal TBUT reported irritation, foreign body sensation, pain, watering, and redness.
• Pterygium was observed in 12 individuals, and interpalpebral congestion in 4.

Conclusions:

• A significant percentage (24%) of the high-altitude population demonstrated abnormal tear film function.
• Environmental factors at high altitudes likely contribute to ocular discomfort and conditions such as pterygium.
• Ocular surface health requires attention in high-altitude regions due to prevalent environmental stressors.