PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION FEATURES AMONG PILOTS

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Aerospace Medicine

Background:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
• Understanding AMD prevalence and risk factors in specific occupational groups like military pilots is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) features among Republic of Korea Air Force pilots.
• To identify risk factors associated with AMD in this aviator population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study of 2781 Republic of Korea Air Force pilots (2020-2021).
• Fundus photography was used to assess and grade AMD features.
• Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• The prevalence of AMD features was 12.9% overall and 35.2% in pilots over 50.
• Significant risk factors included older age (OR: 1.082), male sex (OR: 0.229), smoking (OR: 1.027), increased flight time (OR: 1.004), higher total cholesterol (OR: 1.004), and elevated LDL (OR: 1.005).
• Aircraft type was also a risk factor, with fighter pilots showing higher risk compared to carrier and helicopter pilots.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of AMD features in Republic of Korea Air Force pilots exceeds that of the general population.
• Flight time and specific aircraft types are potential occupational risk factors for AMD in aviators, warranting further investigation and potential interventions.