High-altitude medicine

ZONE OF KNOWLEDGE

High UV radiation in the mountains can cause sunburns and so-called snow blindness.

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

In the mountains, we are exposed to several times more sunlight than at sea level.

➤ For every 1000 meters of altitude, UV radiation increases by 6–8%.

➤ Snow reflects about 85% of sunlight.

➤ The ozone hole further increases exposure.

HOW TO PREVENT SNOW BLINDNESS?

The basic eye protection is UV filter 4 sunglasses designed for high mountain conditions.

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

➤ Choose models with side shields and a strap or cord to avoid losing your glasses.

➤ Additional protection is provided by a wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a visor (for trekking).

➤ On your trip, take two pairs of glacier glasses or sunglasses + goggles with UV filter.

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 be inspired by the indigenous people of the Himalayas, who protected their eyes with hair and wool from yaks suspended above their eyes.

SYMPTOMS

The first symptoms appear 4–12 hours after exposure, usually in the evening or at night. Typical symptoms include:

➤ Severe eye pain, worsening with eye movement.

➤ Eyelid spasm.

➤ Photophobia – pain and squinting in response to light.

➤ Tearing and a feeling of sand in the eyes.

➤ Redness and swelling of the eyelids.

➤ Often accompanied by headaches.

TREATMENT

The basis is rest in a dark place, e.g., in a tent or room, to protect the eyes from light.

Additionally:

➤ Apply an eye patch to protect against light.

➤ Remove contact lenses.

➤ Use cold compresses and rinse eyes with clean water.

Pain relief medications:

➤ Ibuprofen.

➤ In case of severe pain: Tramadol (Zaldiar), caution about side effects - nausea and vomiting.

➤ Optionally - eye drops that dilate pupils (e.g., Tropicamidum 1%) – 1 drop in each eye 3 times a day (do not use in individuals with glaucoma).

Protection against infection and speeding up healing:

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

➤ Gel Corneregel – 3 times a day and at night.

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

RECOVERY TIME

Full recovery usually takes 48–72 hours.During this time, we are excluded from mountain activities, which at high altitudes may prevent descent in difficult conditions and threaten health, even life.

WARNING!

Looking at the sun without high-altitude sunglasses with UV filter can lead to permanent retinal damage and irreversible vision loss.

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DO YOU WANT TO LEARNMORE?

If you want to better prepare health-wise for trekking or a high-altitude expedition, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook."High-altitude medicine in practice – a guide for trekking and expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about what to do in emergencies in the mountains in the online training."High-altitude first aid" >>- prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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Detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and exact instructions for preparing an expedition first aid kit and personal rescue kit can be found in the ebook."Expedition first aid kit – a complete medical guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check whether your health allows you to safely participate in trekking or a high-altitude expedition, it is worth using.a medical consultation >> ora telemedical expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare appropriately for the trip, and increase safety while at altitude.

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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