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Refractive error distribution and incidence among U.S. Army aviators
M R Lattimore1, R H Schrimsher
1U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5000.
Military Medicine
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Contact lens wear is a cost-effective alternative for Army aviators facing spectacle incompatibility with advanced equipment. This approach avoids costly deselection due to refractive errors.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Military Health Systems
Background:
- Spectacle incompatibility poses significant challenges for advanced Army aviation and electro-optical systems.
- Contact lens wear presents a viable alternative to traditional spectacles for aviators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze refractive error distribution in Army aviators (Class 1 and Class 2 flight physicals).
- To establish a reference database for contact lens supply.
- To estimate the incidence of refractive error development and costs associated with spectacle-related flight duty deselection.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of refractive error data from the Aviation Epidemiological Data Registry.
- Analysis of refractive error patterns within the Army aviation population.
Main Results:
- Refractive error distribution patterns were identified for supply database and incidence estimation.
- Contact lens wear was found to be a more cost-effective solution compared to flight duty deselection.
Conclusions:
- Routine contact lens wear is a practical and cost-effective solution for Army aviators experiencing spectacle incompatibility.
- Implementing contact lens programs can mitigate costs associated with refractive error-related deselection.