High-Altitude Medical

HANDBOOK

High UV radiation in the mountains can cause sunburn and snow blindness.

The name sounds dramatic, but it does not cause permanent vision loss. Snow blindness is a burn of the cornea and conjunctiva caused by UV-B radiation.

In the mountains, we are exposed to much higher levels of solar radiation than at sea level:

➤ UV radiation increases by 6–8% per 1000 m of altitude

➤ Snow reflects about 85% of sunlight

➤ The ozone hole further increases UV exposure

HOW TO PREVENT SNOW BLINDNESS

The most important protection is mountain-grade UV 4 sunglasses.

➤ Wear sunglasses not only on sunny days but also on cloudy days, as UV penetrates clouds

➤ Choose models with side shields and a strap or cord to prevent loss

➤ Additional protection can include a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a visor

➤ Bring two pairs of glacier glasses or glasses + UV-filtered goggles for backup

In extreme situations, glacier glasses can be improvised from a piece of foam mat, cardboard, or plastic with small holes, secured with a rubber band, tape, buff, or balaclava.

You can also draw inspiration from Himalayan indigenous peoples, who protected their eyes with yak hair and wool hanging over the eyes.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms typically appear 4–12 hours after exposure, usually in the evening or at night.

Common signs include:

➤ Severe eye pain, worsening when moving the eyes

➤ Eyelid spasm

➤ Photophobia – pain and squinting in response to light

➤ Tearing and feeling of sand in the eyes

➤ Redness and swelling of the eyelids

➤ Often headache

TREATMENT

The key is rest in a dark place, such as a tent or room, to protect the eyes from light.

Additional measures:

➤ Apply an eye patch to block light

➤ Remove contact lenses

➤ Use cold compresses and rinse eyes with clean water

Pain relief:

➤ Ibuprofen

➤ For severe pain: Tramadol (Zaldiar) – note possible side effects such as nausea and vomiting

➤ Optional: pupil-dilating drops (e.g., Tropicamide 1%) – 1 drop in each eye three times a day (do not use in glaucoma patients)

Protection from infection and faster healing:

➤ Floxal eye ointment – 1 dose in each eye every 8 hours

➤ Corneregel gel – 3 times a day and at night

In extreme cases, a single application of a local anesthetic (e.g., Alcaine) may be used, but no more than once, as it slows healing and increases risk of corneal damage

RECOVERY TIME

Full recovery usually takes 48–72 hours.

During this time, you are unable to participate in mountain activities, which at high altitudes can prevent descent in difficult conditions and pose a risk to health or life.

WARNING!

Looking at the sun without high-altitude UV-protection glasses can cause permanent retinal damage and irreversible vision loss.

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

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Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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 For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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