Page 36 - SSB MED EBOOK

OPHTHALMIC SYSTEM

Visual defects and medical ophthalmic conditions are amongst the

major causes of rejection for flying duties. Therefore, a thorough

and accurate eye examination is of great importance in selecting

flying personnel.

Personal and Family History and External Examination.

(a) Squint and the need for spectacles for other reasons are

frequently hereditary and a family history may give valuable

information on the degree of deterioration to be anticipated.

Candidates, who are wearing spectacles or found to have defective

vision, should be properly assessed.

(b) Ptosis interfering with vision or visual field is a cause for

rejection till surgical correction remains successful for a period of

six months. Candidates with uncontrollable blepharitis, particularly

with loss of eyelashes, are generally unsuitable and should be

rejected. Severe cases of blepharitis and chronic conjunctivitis

should be assessed as temporarily unfit until the response to

treatment can be assessed.

(c) Naso-lachrymal occlusion producing epiphora or a mucocele

entails rejection, unless surgery produces relief lasting for a

minimum of six months.

(d) Uveitis (iritis, cyclitis, and choroiditis) is frequently recurrent,

and candidates giving a history of or exhibiting this condition

should be carefully assessed. When there is evidence of

permanent lesions such candidates should be rejected.