Related Experiment Videos
The photic sneeze reflex as a risk factor to combat pilots
R A Breitenbach1, P K Swisher, M K Kim
1927th USAFR Clinic, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI 48045-5046.
Military Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
The photic sneeze reflex, triggered by light intensity changes, affects 18-35% of people. This uncontrolled sneezing poses an unrecognized danger to pilots during critical flight phases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- The photic sneeze reflex (PSR) is an autosomal dominant inherited trait affecting 18-35% of the population.
- Uncontrolled sneezing during flight may pose a significant safety risk to aviation personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific wavelengths of light that trigger the photic sneeze reflex.
- To assess the potential risk of the photic sneeze reflex to pilots during aviation activities.
Main Methods:
- Testing involved narrow-band interference filters (430, 532, 560 nm) with a constant intensity light source.
- Aviation and civilian eyewear (goggles, sunglasses) were tested using a monochromator.
- Clinical testing was performed on subjects susceptible to the photic sneeze reflex.
Main Results:
- The photic sneeze reflex was not found to be mediated by specific wavelengths of light.
- Testing indicated that the reflex is triggered by changes in light intensity, not specific colors.
- No effect on sneezing was observed in susceptible subjects when using interference filters in a clinical setting.
Conclusions:
- The photic sneeze reflex is likely triggered by sudden changes in light intensity, not specific wavelengths.
- This reflex represents a previously unrecognized safety hazard for fixed-wing and rotary aircraft pilots during flight.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate this risk in aviation environments.