Citation

Froom P, Ribak J, Burger A, Gross M. Aviat. Space Environ. Med. 1987; 58(3): 252-253.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Aerospace Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3579809

Abstract

The visual acuity of 38 helicopter pilots experiencing serious air accidents was compared to that of a control group of 72 pilots, matched for age, aircraft, and hours of flight. Decrease in visual acuity was divided into two groups: 1) minor decreases in vision up to 20/25 (not requiring corrective lenses); and 2) visual acuity of 20/30 or less with correction to 20/20. Minor decreases in visual acuity were found in 23.7% (9/38) of those in the accident group compared to 25.0% (18/72) in the control group. There were more pilots in the control group who needed corrective lenses (12.5% (18/72) versus 2.8% (1/38), p less than 0.07). We conclude that helicopter pilots with corrective lenses or minor uncorrected decreases in visual acuity are not at increased risk for serious air accidents.

Language: en