Aeromedical Impact of Selected Ophthamologic Conditions Flashcards
Name the 7 conditions discussed.
- Keratoconus
- Topographical pattern suggestive of keratoconus
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Ocular HTN
- Lattice retinal degeneration
- Central serous retinopathy
Describe what is occurring in keratoconus.
The cornea is abnormally shaped (like a cone) and thin, causing irregular astigmatism.Large astigmatism.
Image distortion.
Fail depth perception
Problems with contrast.
Is progressive– initially correctable with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts, but later cannot be corrected to 20/20. May require transplant.
What is the aeromedical concern in keratoconus?
Poor contact lens fit
Contact lens failure in flight (does not sit properly secondary to abnormal shape of corneal; at risk of movement with G-force)
Corneal hydrops (acute, painful corneal separation with 20/400 vision instantly)
Decreased vision
Progression to need for corneal transplant
At what point is someone who is a trained asset DQ’s with keratoconus?
With loss of depth perception
What % of pts with topographical pattern suggestive of keratinous progress to keratoconus? Over what time frame? Why does this matter
30% in 10 years. Is DQ for IFC 1 physical.
What is cataracts?
Clouding of the lens
Name 6 causes of cataracts.
- Natural aging
- Medications (i.e. steroids)
- Ocular trauma
- Radiation (i.e. UV)
- Metabolic dz (i.e. DM, Wilson’s)
- Congenital/genetic
Define mild cataracts. What is the areomedical implication?
Correctable to 20/20, may continue to fly.
Define moderate cataracts. What are the aeromedical considerations?
Continued refractive shift with inability to correct to 20/20. Glare. Need increased light to read.
FCII will require surgery (which is earlier than in standard population)
What are the 4 lens characteristics that are approved aeromedically?
Acrylic
Monofocal
1 or 3 piece
Clear (NOT blue-blocking yellow)
What risk is increased following cataract surgery?
3x increased risk of retinal detachment
What is the required follow-up after cataract surgery?
1 month, then annually
Define aeromedical glaucoma.
IOP >30 mmHg (regardless of whether optic neuropathy is present)
What occurs pathologically in glaucoma?
progressive optic neuropathy
What 4 findings are seen on exam in glaucoma?
- Enlarged cup/disc ratio (>0.4) or asymmetric (>0.2 difference)
- Thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer on OCT
- VF defects
- Increased IOP
Name 4 mechanisms of action of secondary glaucoma?
- Medications (steroids, TPM)
- Trauma (damage to drainage system)
- Mechanical (particulate blockage)
- Anatomic (blockage)
Name 3 aeromedical hazards of glaucoma.
- Progressive occult loss of peripheral or central VF loss
- Acquired color/contrast deficit
- Eventual incisional surgery or visual loss leads to DQ
What is the preferred way for IOP measurement?
Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT)
What are the 3 aeromedical approved treatments for glaucoma?
- Timilol
- Latanaprost
- Laser surgery
Define ocular hypertension
Evidence of elevated intraocular pressures (measured by applanation tonometry, without “correction” for central corneal thickness; two or more IOPs over 21 mmHg on two separate occasions) without evidence of optic neuropathy (retinal nerve fiber loss and disc based visual field defect).
What are the etiologies of ocular HTN?
Same as glaucoma
What differentiates ocular HTN from glaucoma?
No evidence of optic neuropathy on retinal nerve fiber layer analysis, visual field testing, or structural changes or asymmetry of optic nerve cupping
What is the goal of treatment?
Risk stratification (those with risk factors should be treated)
Name 7 risk factors for glaucoma.
- High IOP
- Family history – primary relative
- Race (African American)
- Age (higher)
- Myopia (high myopia)
- Central corneal thickness (< 540 um)
- Low diastolic arterial perfusion pressure
Name 4 parts to the ocular HTN/glaucoma work-up?
- Humphrey Visual Field 30-2
- Diurnal GAT IOP (At least three measurements two hours apart)
- Dilated fundus and optic nerve evaluation
- Retinal nerve fiber layer analysis by OCT
Define central chorioretinopathy (CSR).
A serous/exudative neurosensory retinal detachment secondary to a breakdown of the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) retinal blood barrier; also known as a pigmented epithelial detachment (PED)
What is the clinical presentation?
smoky, smudge in or near central fixation
List 3 risk factors for CSR?
- Heavy stress exposure (Pilots, engineers, physicians)
- Type A personality
- Exogenous steroid exposure