[Pseudophakia and aptitude of aviation personnel]

Because of sensorial disruptions, aphakia post-cataract surgery is a cause of unfitness for the job of aeronautics flying personnel. Its correction thanks to intraocular lenses and a correct functional check-up permit to reconsider the fitness through a derogation given by the competent authorities.

The authors realized a retrospective study on the 5 last years. 27 flying personnel, 24 to 76 years old, went through a cataract surgery with implantation. The check-up includes a chemical exam completed by a morphoscopic, coloured and spatial study.

The files are more or less well-documented according to their origin. The flying personnel have an average of 4,010 flying hours. The average post-operative hindsight is 30 months. 3 wear intraocular lenses of rear chamber among which 1 is multifocal. 7 were examinated at the CPEMPN with satisfying morphoscopic, coloured and luminous sense compatible with the fitness. 4 are declared permanent unfit (1 professional pilot with bad results, 1 private pilot with other pathologies, 1 inexperienced stewardess getting through the admission visit with insufficient post-operative hindsight, 1 professional pilot declared unfit for its military activity in the reserve). 4 are qualified with restriction. 20 are qualified without restriction.

The correction of aphakia with intraocular lenses permits in most cases to obtain good functional results compatible with the flying aptitude.