High-Altitude Retinopathy Presenting as Blue Spots with Prolonged Recovery: A Case Report.

Abstract

Smith, Ben, Nicola Wetherill, and Daniel S. Morris. High-altitude retinopathy presenting as blue spots with prolonged recovery: a case report. High Alt Med Biol. 26:99-101, 2025.-High-altitude retinopathy (HAR) is a common ocular manifestation of high-altitude illness that is usually asymptomatic but can present with reduced or distorted central vision and signs of retinal vascular engorgement and retinal hemorrhages of varying severity. Typically, symptoms are very mild, such as a slight decrease in visual acuity or a small scotoma. There is no treatment for this condition, and most cases resolve spontaneously within 12 weeks without any permanent visual changes. Here we present a case of a previously fit and well 29-year-old female who developed atypical symptoms of "blue spots" in both eyes after ascending to 5,420 m. She descended promptly and was assessed in an emergency ophthalmology clinic in the United Kingdom (UK) upon her return. Her visual recovery was prolonged, which, combined with the presenting symptoms, makes this case atypical and assists in broadening understanding of HAR.