Fit to Fly of Commercial Pilot after Corneal Refractive Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Aerospace Medicine
• Visual Science

Background:

• Corneal refractive surgery (CRS) offers permanent correction for refractive errors.
• The aviation community is increasingly considering CRS, despite a relatively small number of pilots undergoing the procedure.
• Pilot vision is critical for flight safety, necessitating an understanding of CRS outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intermediate and long-term visual outcomes after corneal refractive surgery in pilots.
• To elaborate on the effects of CRS on contrast sensitivity, refractive regression, and dry eye.
• To provide clinical practice recommendations for aviation medicine specialists regarding pilots and CRS.

Main Methods:

• Literature review conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct.
• Searched for studies on corneal refractive surgery, visual outcomes, and aviation-specific factors.
• Synthesized findings on contrast sensitivity, refractive regression, and dry eye post-CRS.

Main Results:

• Different types of CRS have varied immediate and long-term effects on contrast sensitivity, refractive regression, and dry eye.
• Pilot work environment factors (hypoxia, humidity, ergonomics) influence visual outcomes after CRS.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining pilot visual standards.

Conclusions:

• Corneal refractive surgery impacts pilot vision quality through contrast sensitivity, refractive stability, and ocular surface health.
• Aviation medicine specialists need specific guidelines for evaluating and managing pilots with a history of or plans for CRS.
• Further research may refine management strategies for pilots undergoing CRS.