Ophthalmological effects of high altitude.

High altitude has various effects on human beings. Altitude-related illnesses are a frequent cause of morbidity and occasional mortality in travelers to high altitudes throughout the world. The mountaineers all around the world are familiar with this condition, which is called acute mountain sickness (AMS). The primary altitude illnesses are AMS, high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema. Altitude has potential undesired ophthalmological effects. The pathogenesis of these syndromes remains unclear despite considerable research in this field. Most of these problems are primarily preventable with an adequate level of information before and during travel. Further studies are needed to reveal the exact relationship between high altitude and ophthalmological findings. In this article, ophthalmological effects of high altitude, likely to be encountered by mountaineers as well as other enthusiasts of high altitude sports are reviewed. Emphasis on aviation and aerospace medicine is briefly given under related SUB_TITLEs. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.