trachoma ( rough eye ) and aviation ? !!

[7oodaz]

hi guys ,, i have trachoma ( rough eye ) in both eyes ,, am afraid it may prevent me from being an airline pilot ,,
knowing that it comes in spring only and disappear using eyedrops ,,
please tell me if i will face a problem with the medical ,,,
thanks

[Mac the Knife]

If you really DO have trachoma (infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlamydia_trachomatis)then your quite infectious and need treatment pronto. See a doctor/eye specialist. :eek::eek: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlamydia_trachomatis)

If on the other hand, as I suspect, you just have vernal conjunctivitis you should be OK.:D:D

:ok:

[Lancastrian]

May I suggest care with the medical names 7oodaz. Trachoma is one of the most common causes of blindness and is not a "seasonal" optical malady.

[7oodaz]

guys ,., when spring comes ,, my eyes becomes very rough and hurts me alot some times ,, but as i put eyedrops ,, every thing becomes fine ..
i also have a white cloud but not in the center of my eye ,, you know the black circle ( i cant find the medical expression ) ,, on the outer side of the black circle in my eye i have a small line of a white cloud ,, knowing that my vision still 20/20 in both eyes with the corrective glasses .

so ,, does this affect my medical ? ,, thnx

[Flyin'Dutch']

You need to go and see an ophthamologist, ideally one who is up to date with the visual requirements of your aviation regulator.

That way you will find out exactly if there is anything wrong with your eyes, get appropriate treatment if required and he/she can tell you if you will pass the medical standard required for flying in your country

Good luck.

[pithblot]

Tracoma has been eradicated from most of the western world, with the notable exception of Australia. It's not a problem acknowledged by most city dwelling Australians (87% live in the cities) because they just don't see it. But pilots who do there time in the bush fly children every day who's eyes are running with puss and full of flies. These kids will sit on there Mum's laps but nobody will do anything to remove the flies or clean the children's eyes. This is all a small part of a primary health care nightmare in remote aboriginal communities that no amount of money or good will seems able to fix.

Other parts of this primary health care nightmare are leprosy (the 'lepper colonies' near Darwin and Derby were closed in the 1970s), diabetes, cardio vascular disease, alcoholism, domestic violence and STDs amongst children.

This is an interesting interview (http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ockham/stories/s321025.htm)about tracoma in Australia. It's dated but still relevant.