Menu

  1. Home
  2.  / 
  3. Vitreo Retinal Diseases – II, Free Paper
  4.  / 
  5. FP0039 : Delayed High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhages in Well-Acclimatized Individuals: A Hidden Risk Unveiled

Share this post

Chief & Presenting Author: Dr.Vipin Rana

Co Author(s): Dr. Sandepan Bandopadhyay, Prof. Dr.Pradeep Kumar

Abstract

This study focuses on delayed High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhages (HARH) in well-acclimatized individuals, diverging from the commonly reported rapid ascent cases. Analyzing 1,457 acclimatized lowlanders in the Himalayas, we found a 0.82% prevalence of HARH, occurring predominantly above 14,000 feet. Notably, all patients with hemorrhages reported symptoms at least a month post-acclimatization, highlighting the delayed nature of HARH in individuals following a proper acclimatization schedule. Despite the presence of hemorrhages, most participants retained good visual acuity, with significant impact observed in cases involving foveal damage. This study suggests the need for further exploration into the mechanisms and implications of delayed HARH, emphasizing the importance of understanding retinal responses to chronic high-altitude exposure.