Corrective Lens Use and Refractive Error Among United States Air Force Aircrew
Abstract
Corrective lens use by military aviators is an important consideration in the design of head-mounted equipment. The United States Air Force (USAF) has periodically monitored lens use by aviators; however, it has been over a decade since the last study. We provide an update on the prevalence of corrective lenses and refractive error among-USAF aircrew based on eyeglass orders processed through the Spectacle-Request-Transmission-System (SRTS). Currently, 41% of active duty USAF pilots and 54% of other aircrew require corrective lenses to perform flight duties. Refractive errors are characterized by low to moderate levels of myopia with a mean spherical equivalent power of -1.01 diopters (D) for pilots and -1.68 D for others. Contact lenses, and more recently refractive surgery, reduce the number of aircrew that must rely on spectacles when flying; however, spectacle compatibility remains an important consideration in the cockpit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA516040
Entities
People
- Douglas J. Ivan
- John M. Gooch
- Patirck J. Clark
- Steve T. Wright
- William R Thompson
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine