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High-altitude retinopathy

G E Lang¹, G B Kuba

¹Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulm, Germany. uni.augenklinik@medizin.uni-ulm.de

American Journal of Ophthalmology

|March 1, 1997

Summary

High-altitude retinopathy can cause vision loss due to increased hematocrit. Treatment with hemodilution and medication effectively resolved symptoms and restored vision in a patient.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Altitude Medicine
Hematology

Background:

High-altitude retinopathy is a condition affecting vision at extreme elevations.
Increased hematocrit (hemoconcentration) is a physiological response to high altitude.

Observation:

A 30-year-old male presented with visual disturbances after exposure to 7,000 meters.
Ophthalmic examination revealed intraretinal hemorrhages and a visual field defect (scotoma).
Hematocrit levels were elevated at 53% despite a normal blood cell count.

Findings:

The patient received treatment including isovolemic hemodilution, pentoxifylline, and aspirin.
Treatment successfully reduced hematocrit to 41%.
Visual acuity and visual field deficits resolved, and intraretinal hemorrhages cleared.

Implications:

High-altitude hemoconcentration is a treatable cause of high-altitude retinopathy.
Prompt management of hemoconcentration can prevent long-term visual impairment.
This case highlights the importance of monitoring and treating hematological changes in high-altitude environments.

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