Effects of Exposure to 12,800 Feet and Acetazolamide on Visual Performance

Abstract

The combined effects of acetazolamide and hypoxia upon several types of visual performance at conditions of low and high illumination were investigated. 2 groups of 18 Ss each received either acetazolamide or placebo tablets and were tested on the same visual measures both at sea level and at a terrestrial elevation of 12,800 ft. The results showed no statistically significant differences between visual performances at low and high elevations regardless of the illumination level. Although acetazolamide combined with hypoxia did not generate any visual anomalies, its effectiveness in reducing visual decrements produced by more severe hypoxia cannot be predicted from the data.