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A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Observational Study to Analyze the Effects of Moderate High Altitude on Ocular Health
Vibhuti Maria1, Sanat Kumar Khanna2, Richa Chaudhary3, Saurabh Maheshwari41Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital Shimla, Shimla, India2Department of Surgery, Military Hospital Shimla, Shimla, India
3Department of Ophthalmology, Command Hospital Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
4Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Military Hospital Shimla, Shimla, India
OBJECTIVES: Prolonged exposure to hypoxia at high altitudes can affect the eyes through various mechanisms, culminat-ing in reduced vision. Multiple studies on this subject have focused on the ocular effects of high altitude on intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal thickness, and the retina. However, there is a lack of literature on the effects of ‘moderate high altitude (2000–3000 m)’ on the eyes. Hence, we designed our study to determine the impact of moderate high altitude on the eyes.
METHODS: Methods: We recruited two age and gender-matched groups of 250 research participants, each at moderate high altitude (Group A) and plains (Group B), respectively, to determine the effects of moderate high altitude on ocular health, if any.
RESULTS: We found a statistically significant increase in dry eye in Group A. We also found four cases of central serous retinopathy and one case of central retinal vein occlusion in Group A. There was no statistically significant change in visual acuity, IOP, or central corneal thickness.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There is a vast lacuna in the literature on this particular altitude range, and further studies are required to confirm our findings. It is also recommended that lubricant eye drops be advised as a standard prophylactic measure for all individuals traveling and staying at moderate high altitude.
Manuscript Language: English
