Aviation Accidents and Incidents Associated with the Use of Ophthalmic Devices by Civilian Airmen

Van B. Nakagawara, Ron W. Montgomery, and Kathryn J. Wood
Aviat Space Environ Med 2002; 73:1109-13

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 54% of civilian pilots rely on ophthalmic lenses to correct defective vision in order to maintain a valid airman medical certificate. This report reviews aviation accidents and incidents where the use or misuse of ophthalmic devices was considered to have been a contributing factor in the mishap. Methods: The NTSB's Aviation Accident/Incident Database and the FAA's Incident Data System were queried for terms related to ophthalmic devices. All reports were reviewed to determine whether an ophthalmic device was a factor in the mishap and then stratified based on the type of ophthalmic correction involved. Additionally, the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), which allows aviation personnel to report actual or perceived safety-related problems was similarly queried and reviewed. Results: The NTSB and FAA databases included 19 mishaps with contributing factors such as lost and/or broken eyeglasses, problems with sunglasses, incompatibility with personal protective breathing equipment, adaptation difficulties, or inappropriate ophthalmic prescriptions and contact lenses. Aviation personnel voluntarily submitted 26 ASRS reports describing operational problems involving ophthalmic devices that adversely affected aviation safety. Conclusions: Ophthalmic devices used by pilots have contributed to aviation accidents and incidents. The review and reporting of these events provides important information that can be used to educate flight crewmembers, Aviation Medical Examiners, and eyecare practitioners about the potential hazards of using inappropriate ophthalmic devices. Recommendations in this report may assist pilots in avoiding similar hazardous situations and enhance aviation safety.

Keywords: aviation, accidents, eyeglasses, contact lenses.

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Table of Contents for Volume 73, Number 11 of the ASEM journal.