Retinal changes following rapid ascent to a high-altitude environment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Altitude Medicine
• Retinal Imaging

Background:

• High-altitude environments pose physiological challenges.
• Understanding the impact on ocular health is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of rapid high-altitude exposure on retinal structure.
• To identify potential risk factors for high-altitude oculopathy.

Main Methods:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) used to measure retinal indicators.
• Measurements taken before, during, and after high-altitude exposure in 91 military personnel.
• Analysis of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer thickness.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in RNFL thickness observed in temporal, nasal, and inferior optic disc quadrants.
• Increased RNFL thickness in superior and inferior macula, and ganglion cell layer thickness in superior macula.
• Persistent RNFL thickening in the inferior macula upon return to baseline altitude; nine participants showed pathological changes.

Conclusions:

• High-altitude environments negatively impact retinal health.
• Changes may contribute to the incidence of various eye diseases, including ischemic optic neuropathy and myopia.
• Findings provide data for preventing and treating high-altitude related vision impairment.