Antarctica eye study: a prospective study of the effects of overwintering on ocular parameters and visual function

Stahl, Matthew H.; Kumar, Alexander; Lambert, Robert; Stroud, Michael; Macleod, David; Bastawrous, Andrew; Peto, Tunde; Burton, Matthew J.

doi:10.1186/s12886-018-0816-0

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Journal article

Antarctica eye study: a prospective study of the effects of overwintering on ocular parameters and visual function

Stahl, Matthew H. University College London, London, UK - Department of Medicine, Wexham Park Hospital, Wexham, UK
Kumar, Alexander King?s College London, London, UK - University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
Lambert, Robert Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stroud, Michael University of Southampton Medical School, Southampton, UK
Macleod, David Clinical Research Department, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
Bastawrous, Andrew Clinical Research Department, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
Peto, Tunde Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK - Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
Burton, Matthew J. Clinical Research Department, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK - Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

25.06.2018

Published in:

BMC Ophthalmology. - 2018, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 149

English In 2013 five polar explorers attempted to complete the first Trans-Antarctic Winter Traverse (TAWT). This study presents the ophthalmological findings for this group, who overwintered in Antarctica as part of the White Mars Human Science Protocol. Antarctic crews are exposed to extreme cold, chronic hypoxia and altered day-night cycles. Previous studies of Antarctic explorers have focused on the prolonged effect of ultraviolet radiation including the development of ultraviolet keratitis and accelerated cataract formation. This is the first study of its kind to investigate the effect of overwintering in Antarctica on the human eye.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Médecine

Language