Corrective Lens Use and Refractive Error Among United States Air Force Aircrew

Wright, Steve; Ivan, Douglas J.; Clark, Patirck J; Gooch, John; Thompson, W. T.

doi:10.7205/milmed-d-09-00047

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The myopia prevalence is comparable to a recent study performed by Wright and colleagues, which demonstrated that 41% of active duty USAF pilots utilize corrective lenses. 20 Furthermore, it is similar to the analysis by Vitale and colleagues, who demonstrated an estimated prevalence of 41.6% in those aged 12-54 within the United States population. 21 The results presented do, however, demonstrate higher values of myopia than another recent study examining refractive error amongst active duty service members of all United States Armed Forces branches from 2001 to 2018, which demonstrated a crude annual lifetime prevalence of 38.5% for myopia (<−0.5D).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

<p>Prevalence of Myopia in Newly Enlisted Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio</p>

Reed

Ferris

Santamaria

et al. 2020

OPTH

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

<p>Prevalence of Myopia in Newly Enlisted Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio</p>

Reed

Ferris

Santamaria

et al. 2020

OPTH

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“…It is well known that refractive devices in the aerospace environment negatively affect visual performance (Partner et al. 2005) (Wright et al. 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sine wave mesopic contrast sensitivity – defining the normal range in a young population

Haughom¹,

Strand²

2011

Acta Ophthalmologica

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. Purpose: Limited information is available regarding the normal range of mesopic sine wave contrast sensitivity (CS). The aim of this study was therefore to define a reference range and in addition to identify factors related to mesopic CS in a young population. Methods: Individuals with normal visual acuity (VA) were included from a population of air crew members visiting the Institute of Aviation Medicine for routine medical examinations. CS was measured using the Optec 6500/FACT and evaluated by (i) the CS curve with five frequencies and (ii) the index of contrast sensitivity (ICS). ICS was defined as the sum of the weighted differences from the median CS value for each frequency. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors related to CS. Results: In a total of 197 subjects included, the mean mesopic CS score was significantly lower compared to the corresponding photopic measurements for all five frequencies tested. Median CS score for frequencies 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree was 50, 114, 180, 60 and 33 for photopic and 71, 80, 90, 22 and 12 for mesopic (− glare) conditions, respectively. Better binocular VA was positively associated, while the use of corrective lenses was negatively associated with CS performance. Conclusion: We have provided reference values for mesopic CS and identified factors important for CS. The difference between mesopic and photopic measurements highlights the need for separate population norms. The new ICS score may be a useful collective descriptor of the traditional CS curve with five frequencies.

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“…Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): LASIK is currently the most prevalent refractive surgery technique, offering faster rehabilitation and less discomfort [ 20 ] . After its approval by the USAF in May 2007, over 2200 aircrew underwent LASIK in 2010 [ 54 ] . Studies on LASIK eyes exposed to short-term hyperbaric hypoxia revealed only minor refractive changes, as presented in Table 1 [ 55 - 58 ] .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of flight and equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure on ocular structures and function

Totou,

Karmiris,

Kanakis

et al. 2023

Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol

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Background: Exposure to high-altitude conditions during flight or similar activities affects many aspects of visual function, which is critical not only for flight safety but for any altitude-related activity. We aimed to summarize the available literature pertaining to ocular changes during flight or equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure (e.g., hypobaric chamber, effortless ascent lasting less than or equal to 24 h) and to highlight future research priorities. Methods: Using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science/ISI Web of Knowledge databases with structured search syntax, we conducted a systematic review of the literature spanning a 40-year period (January 1, 1983, to October 10, 2023). Articles pertaining to ocular changes during flight or flight-equivalent exposure to altitude were retrieved. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also searched, and citations of these references were included in the results. Results: Of 875 relevant PubMed and ISI publications, 122 qualified for inclusion and 20 more were retrieved from the reference lists of initially selected records, for a total of 142 articles. Reported anterior segment changes included deterioration in tear film stability and increased dry eye incidence, increased corneal thickness, discomfort and bubble formation in contact lens users, refraction changes in individuals with prior refractive surgery, decreased intraocular pressure, and alterations in pupillary reaction, contrast sensitivity, and visual fields. Photoreceptor–visual pathway changes included alterations in both photoreceptors and neuro-transduction, as evidenced in dark adaptation, macular recovery time, reduction in visual field sensitivity, and optic neuritis (likely an element of decompression sickness). Retinochoroidal changes included increases in retinal vessel caliber, retinal blood flow, and choroidal thickness; central serous chorioretinopathy; and retinal vascular events (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, high-altitude retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion). Conclusions: The effect of short-term high-altitude exposure on the eye is, in itself, a difficult area to study. Although serious impairment of visual acuity appears to be rare, ocular changes, including tear film stability, contact lens wear, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, contrast sensitivity, stability of refractive surgeries, retinal vessels, visual fields, and macula recovery time, should be considered in civilian aviators. Our report provides guidance to climbers and lowlanders traveling to altitude if they have pre-existing ocular conditions or if they experience visual symptoms while at altitude. However, key outcomes have been contradictory and comprehensive studies are scarce, especially those pertaining to the choroid and retina. Such studies could not only deepen our understanding of high-altitude ocular pathophysiology, but could also offer valuable information and treatment possibilities for a constellation of other vision-threatening diseases.

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Corrective Lens Use and Refractive Error Among United States Air Force Aircrew

Cited by 9 publications

References 0 publications

<p>Prevalence of Myopia in Newly Enlisted Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio</p>

<p>Prevalence of Myopia in Newly Enlisted Airmen at Joint Base San Antonio</p>

Sine wave mesopic contrast sensitivity – defining the normal range in a young population

Impact of flight and equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure on ocular structures and function

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