Occupational Ocular UV Exposure in Civilian Aircrew

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Aviation Medicine
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure increases with altitude, posing potential risks to pilots' eyes.
• Various factors beyond altitude can influence ocular UVR exposure during flight operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess ocular UVR exposure in airline and helicopter pilots.
• To compare in-flight UVR exposure with that of a typical office environment.
• To identify factors influencing ocular UVR exposure during aviation.

Main Methods:

• Spectroradiometer measurements were taken during European airline and transatlantic flights, as well as helicopter flights.
• Data were collected from workstations in an office environment during summer and winter.
• Windshield UVR transmission properties were analyzed for different aircraft types.

Main Results:

• Ocular UVA doses varied widely among flights, primarily due to windshield UVR transmission.
• Aircraft with poor UVA-blocking windshields led to ocular exposure exceeding international guidelines (up to 6.5 times higher).
• No significant ocular UVB dose was detected in any of the assessed scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Pilots should be informed about potential high UVA exposure risks during flight.
• The use of sunglasses is advised for pilots to mitigate UVA exposure.
• Implementing a windshield labeling system could help pilots select appropriate eye protection based on aircraft type.