High altitude retinopathy presenting as central retinal vein occlusion in a soldier

ABSTRACT

A 33-year soldier, deployed at an altitude of 3,350 meters for two years, developed unilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion [CRVO] in the left eye. He had no risk factor for thrombosis and all thrombophilia screenings were negative. The patient was managed with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF [Bevacizumab] every four weeks. He showed gradual improvement in the visual acuity over the next 3 months. Best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] after three months was 6/7.5; whereas, initially it was limited to hand movements only. This case illustrates that prolonged exposure to high altitude is a risk factor for CRVO, too. Frequent eye examination, including fundus, should be carried out among people living at such altitudes