United States Department of Transportation
i
Aviation Accidents and Incidents Associated with the Use of Ophthalmic Devices by Civilian Pilots
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2001-07-01
[PDF-304.67 KB]
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Edition:Final Report
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Abstract:Approximately 54% of civilian pilots rely on ophthalmic lenses to correct defective vision and maintain a valid airman medical certificate. The use of these devices can potentially create operational problems in an aviation environment. This report reviews aviation accidents and incidents in which ophthalmic lenses used by civilian pilots were contributing factors in the mishaps between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1998. The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB's) Aviation Accident/Incident Database and the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Incident Data System were queried for terms related to ophthalmic lenses for the period 1980-1998. All reports annotated with ophthalmic terms were reviewed and stratified based on the type of ophthalmic correction used and if the device was determined to be a factor in the mishap. Additionally, the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), which allows aviation personnel to report actual or potential discrepancies and deficiencies involving the safety of aviation operations, was similarly queried and reviewed for the period 1988-98. The NTSB and FAA databases included 16 mishaps in which factors, such as lost/broken eyeglasses, problems with sunglasses, incompatibility with personal protective breathing equipment, adaptation difficulties, inappropriate ophthalmic prescriptions and contact lenses, were found to be contributing factors in aviation accidents or incidents. Aviation personnel voluntarily submitted 26 ASRS reports describing operational problems involving traditional ophthalmic devices that adversely affected aviation safety. Results indicate that ophthalmic devices used by pilots have contributed to aviation accidents and incidents. The review and reporting of these mishaps and self-reported operational problems provide important information that may be used to educate flight crewmembers, aviation medical examiners, and eyecare practitioners about the potential hazards of using inappropriate ophthalmic devices. Recommendations that can assist pilots in avoiding similar hazardous situations and enhance aviation safety are discussed.
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