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A transient loss of vision that occurs at an altitude of 2500 metres and improves as you descend.
The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors include: lack of oxygen, retinal haemorrhages, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to cold, and solar radiation.
Treatment consists of descending below a safety altitude (< 2500 metres).
Loss of vision can be life-threatening, so find a partner to descend with you.
- Scott A Gallagher, Peter Hackett, Jonathan M Rosen. High altitude illness: Physiology, risk factors, and general prevention. UpToDate, Apr 15, 2015.
- Scott A Gallagher, Peter Hackett. Acute mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema. UpToDate. Mar 03, 2016.
- West JB, American College of Physicians, American Physiological Society. The physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases. Ann Intern Med 2004; 141:789.
- Schoene RB. Illnesses at high altitude. Chest 2008; 134:402.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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