[Ophthalmic disqualification from the military services: Multicentric cross-sectional study].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Military Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Military service requires specific visual standards for operational effectiveness.
• Ophthalmological conditions are a significant factor in assessing fitness for duty.
• Understanding disqualification causes aids in recruitment and health policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the main causes of ophthalmological disqualification from military service.
• To analyze the prevalence of specific eye conditions leading to unfitness.
• To inform military health screening protocols.

Main Methods:

• Observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study.
• Retrospective analysis of individuals disqualified for eye diseases at Army Training Hospitals (ATHs).
• Data collected: demographics, medical history, reasons for disqualification, visual acuity, and refraction.

Main Results:

• 133 subjects were included; 28.6% disqualified for high refractive errors (myopia > -10D, hyperopia > +8D).
• 18.8% disqualified due to refractive surgery before the required age; 17.3% for degenerative conditions like keratoconus.
• Other causes included phakic intraocular lenses, trauma, amblyopia, congenital, inflammatory, and hereditary conditions.

Conclusions:

• High ametropia, premature refractive surgery, and keratoconus are the leading causes of ophthalmological disqualification.
• These findings highlight the importance of stringent visual standards in military recruitment.
• Recommendations for policy adjustments regarding age and refractive error limits may be considered.