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Keratoconus and Fitness to Fly.
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|February 9, 2023
Summary
Keratoconus, a vision condition, often allows pilots to continue flying careers with proper evaluation and management. Most aviators with this condition can maintain flight fitness after careful assessment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Aviation Safety
Background:
- Vision is paramount for safe aviation.
- Keratoconus causes progressive vision impairment, jeopardizing aviator careers.
- Aeromedical significance of keratoconus necessitates careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze keratoconus cases in pilots.
- To discuss flight waiver decisions for aviators with keratoconus.
- To assess the impact of keratoconus on aviation careers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of aviator records.
- Analysis of 19 pilots examined at an Aeromedical Center over 5 years.
- Review of flight fitness waiver outcomes.
Main Results:
- 19 pilots (13 line, 6 military) with keratoconus were analyzed.
- Two pilots did not receive flight waivers.
- 17 pilots received waivers, with 5 requiring vision correction (glasses/contacts).
Conclusions:
- Keratoconus requires detection by aeromedical examiners.
- Flight licenses are possible if keratoconus is stable and visual quality is satisfactory.
- Double pass aberrometry may aid in determining flight fitness; case-by-case analysis is crucial.
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