Fighter Pilot with Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Aerospace Medicine

Background:

• Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is typically self-limiting but can recur, causing permanent visual defects.
• Aviation necessitates perfect vision, making pilots with CSC ineligible for flight duties.
• Recurrent CSC poses significant career risks for pilots.

Observation:

• A fighter pilot with 1260 flight hours developed CSC in his right eye.
• Multiple treatments including watchful waiting, micropulse laser, and rifampin were administered over three years.
• Rifampin showed initial response but was discontinued due to elevated liver enzymes; micropulse laser failed to resolve subretinal fluid.

Findings:

• The pilot developed chronic CSC despite various treatments.
• The condition led to career termination due to visual concerns and potential G-force impact.
• No studies currently address the effect of G-force on subretinal fluid in CSC patients.

Implications:

• Persistent CSC in pilots raises safety concerns in aviation.
• Mitigation strategies may involve multi-crew aircraft operations.
• Further research is needed on G-force effects on CSC prognosis in aviators.