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Glaucoma in U.S. Civil Aviation: 2005-2014.
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|November 22, 2017
Summary
Pilots with glaucoma are not at higher risk for aircraft accidents. Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification protocols ensure flight safety for pilots with glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Transportation Safety
Background:
- Glaucoma treatment historically disqualified U.S. pilots, requiring special waivers.
- Since 2013, Aerospace Medical Examiners (AMEs) can issue medical certificates to third-class pilots with mild glaucoma without waivers if specific criteria are met.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accident risk for pilots with glaucoma.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification protocols for pilots with glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- A search of the FAA's medical database (2005-2014) identified pilots with glaucoma.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident database was queried to identify accidents involving these pilots.
- Accident odds for pilots with glaucoma were compared to the general pilot population.
Main Results:
- Of 5000 pilots with glaucoma, 78 were involved in accidents, with glaucoma not cited as a cause.
- A logistic regression model indicated a protective effect of glaucoma on accident odds.
- Accident and fatal accident rates for pilots with glaucoma were not statistically significantly higher than general aviation rates.
Conclusions:
- Third-class pilots with glaucoma do not face a significantly elevated accident risk compared to the general aviation community.
- Current FAA certification and monitoring protocols adequately ensure flight safety for pilots with glaucoma.
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