Retinal and Choroidal Circulation Changes Following Rapid Ascent to a High Altitude Environment

Retinal and Choroidal Circulation Changes Following Rapid Ascent to a High Altitude Environment Evaluated by OCT Angiography

This is a prospective observational study. The purpose is to explore the effect of high altitude hypobaric hypoxia on retinal microcirculation and the change of the thickness of the retina and choroid by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Yushu is in Qinghai-Tibet plateau, an average altitude of 4000 m. The medical staff is limited in Yushu. Zhongshan ophthalmic center, sun yat-sen university in Yushu blindness project has lasted many years. Some medical staff who arrived at Yushu will have a plateau response. The high altitude hypoxia on retinal microcirculation evaluated by OCTA has not been reported. The aim of the study is to observe the microcirculation changes after exploring a hypobaric and hypoxia environment using OCTA, and relation with the plateau response. OCTA is a non-invasive examination and could see the microcirculation of the fundus directly and quickly.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The subjects who plan to go to Yushu within one month.
2. Did not live on the high altitude of more than 1000 meters within 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable and unwilling to provide informed consent.
2. Any ocular disease may influence the retinal and choroidal circulation.