Operation Everest II: lack of an effect of extreme altitude on visual contrast sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity thresholds were studied over 40 d during gradual ascent to a simulated terrestrial altitude of 25,000 ft in a decompression chamber. Only ambient pressure, and thus inspired oxygen pressure, was varied, thereby eliminating many of the confounding effects of cold, dehydration, malnutrition and exhaustion, inevitably encountered on very high mountains. Contrast sensitivity thresholds measured by the Ginsburg Vistech test showed no overall impairment as altitude increased. These results are different from those of other previously reported vision studies involving shorter exposures, lower altitudes, and lower test luminances. However, our results can be explained on the basis of the higher stimulus luminances used in our contrast sensitivity testing. Compared to the luminance levels involved in previously reported testing, our higher luminance stimuli would be less likely to be affected by hypoxia.