Ocular phototoxicity and altitude among mountaineer guides

Abstract

AbstractPurpose To evaluate ocular phototoxicity in mountaineer guide in Chamonix, France, exposed to altitude characterized by increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation.Methods 96 guides working and 90 subjects living in plains, older than 50 years, replied to a questionnaire assessing altitude exposure and wearing protective eyewear. We performed slit lamp examination after pupil dilatation, retinal photography (Topcon) and crystalline lens density analysis (Oculyzer®, Alcon). Student t‐test was used to compare the groups and logistic regression to evaluate risks factors in guides group.Results Guides mean age was 59.8years and 59.1 for control (p=0.39). Guides developed more chronic blepharitis (52.1% vs. 10.6%, p<0.01), pterygium (8.9% vs. 0%, p<0.01), pinguecula (58.3% vs. 21.7%, p<0.001). Their corneal break up time was shorter (4.5secs vs. 7secs, p<0.01). Guides presented more cortical cataract (p<0.01) and cataract surgery (p=0.01). Only 61.5% guides had normal ocular fundus vs. 81.1% in control group (p<0.01). They developed more drusenoid deposit (27.2% vs. 15.6%, p<0.01). Guides group analysis showed that exposure superior to 3000m is risk factor to develop anterior cortical cataract (OR=1.16, p<0.01). Exposition to snow increases risk of maculopathy (OR=1.9, p<0.01). Questionnaire reveals discontinuous eye protection in medium altitude. Wearing ski mask reduces cataract, age related maculopathy and chronic blepharitis risk.Conclusion Ocular findings highlight the higher incidence of ocular surface pathology, anterior cortical lens opacities and drunenoid deposits. This data emphasize the potential deleterious role of UVs and importance to wear sunglasses even in low to medium altitude but also when climbing.