VISION THREAD (other than colour vision)
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: where ops say
Age: 36
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is there an eye specialist in the house?
Hello all,
Bit of a weird one; would appreciate any thoughts on the below:
My vision is pretty good: I've never worn corrective lenses and I have eye tests every year as part of my medical as an Air Cadet gliding instructor.
However, I've noticed for the past few years that sometimes my pupils are different sizes. Specifically, my left eye seems to take longer to respond to changes in light conditions. Generally they're about the same size (sometimes exactly), but sometimes they're both quite different.
More recently (6 months or so) I've noticed a strange effect whilst flying. Often on climbout, as I glance at the altimeter, the primary needle appears to 'flick' back a degree or two, before returning to where I originally saw it. This only lasts a fraction of a second. I'm thinking that the problem is likely to be a small lag in movement between my right eye moving and my left eye following it. My girlfriend (a junior doctor) says that she can sometimes see a slight lag when she waves her finger in front of my eyes, but isn't really able to offer any stunning medical insights, or relate it to aviation medicals.
So my questions to the medical boffins of pprune are:
1) Is this worth worrying about?
2) Does anyone else have this?
3) Am I going blind?
4) Could this be a problem in any future class 1 or 2 aviation medicals?
Regards to all,
Tom
Hello all,
Bit of a weird one; would appreciate any thoughts on the below:
My vision is pretty good: I've never worn corrective lenses and I have eye tests every year as part of my medical as an Air Cadet gliding instructor.
However, I've noticed for the past few years that sometimes my pupils are different sizes. Specifically, my left eye seems to take longer to respond to changes in light conditions. Generally they're about the same size (sometimes exactly), but sometimes they're both quite different.
More recently (6 months or so) I've noticed a strange effect whilst flying. Often on climbout, as I glance at the altimeter, the primary needle appears to 'flick' back a degree or two, before returning to where I originally saw it. This only lasts a fraction of a second. I'm thinking that the problem is likely to be a small lag in movement between my right eye moving and my left eye following it. My girlfriend (a junior doctor) says that she can sometimes see a slight lag when she waves her finger in front of my eyes, but isn't really able to offer any stunning medical insights, or relate it to aviation medicals.
So my questions to the medical boffins of pprune are:
1) Is this worth worrying about?
2) Does anyone else have this?
3) Am I going blind?
4) Could this be a problem in any future class 1 or 2 aviation medicals?
Regards to all,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Just noticed your post here! I also noticed this a couple of weeks ago (and subsequently made the mistake of googling 'unequal pupils', not something I'd recommend, had me in a right panic!). I've not had any other symptoms or problems with my vision but I went to see my optician who, together with my GP, has referred me up to the opthalmologist just to be on the safe side. Apparently it's pretty common (I believe 1 in 5 people have it to some degree!) and it's possible I've always had slightly crazy eyes and just never noticed it before (I notice it all the time now but it could just be that I am looking for it!). It's probably nothing to worry about but it's worth getting it checked out as it can be a sign of some quite serious underlying conditions (however if you've had it for a few years it's probably nothing!). I've just got off the phone to the CAA at Gatwick and they said that as long as it doesn't affect my vision it wont affect my Class 1. Anyway, worth getting checked out by a professional but not somethign I'd worry too much about.
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Castleford (near Leeds)
Age: 30
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Had an appointment yesterday with the local optician. Gave him the Class 1 visual requirements and asked if i'd be able to pass. We completed the examination he said I should have no problem passing the visual side of the medical.
My right eye is +3.75 (Sph) which -0.25 (Cyl) and 90 (Axis)
My left eye is +0.50 (Sph)
My only concern is, my right eye is scarily close to +5, the class 1 maximum. I'm 17 years old and just wondered does anyone think that my vision will deteriorate outside the limits. If it does, is there anything I can do to get it back within the limits (i.e surgery) or do the standards become broader once initial examination is passed.
I'd hate to gain a class 1 medical, complete all the CPL/ATPL training then find out a couple of years down the line that my vision no longer is acceptable in my right eye, to pass the class 1 medical.
Much appreciated, Jake.
My right eye is +3.75 (Sph) which -0.25 (Cyl) and 90 (Axis)
My left eye is +0.50 (Sph)
My only concern is, my right eye is scarily close to +5, the class 1 maximum. I'm 17 years old and just wondered does anyone think that my vision will deteriorate outside the limits. If it does, is there anything I can do to get it back within the limits (i.e surgery) or do the standards become broader once initial examination is passed.
I'd hate to gain a class 1 medical, complete all the CPL/ATPL training then find out a couple of years down the line that my vision no longer is acceptable in my right eye, to pass the class 1 medical.
Much appreciated, Jake.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: York
Age: 53
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"My only concern is, my right eye is scarily close to +5, the class 1 maximum. I'm 17 years old and just wondered does anyone think that my vision will deteriorate outside the limits."
No its not.
No I don't
Whats you Visual Acuity I wouldn't be surprised if you have some mild amblyopia in that eye
No its not.
No I don't
Whats you Visual Acuity I wouldn't be surprised if you have some mild amblyopia in that eye
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: York
Age: 53
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes I would expect that but the visual acuity obtain is still pretty good.
Your main problems however is the amount of anisometropia which is outside the limits for a class one. (In fact your outside the limits for a class two - 3 diopters)
I have no idea how they came up with these values and I would be surprised if there is any evidence based medicine to justify their stance.
What optican did you go to? Specsavers? surely the optom must have read and advised you about your anisometropia.
Your main problems however is the amount of anisometropia which is outside the limits for a class one. (In fact your outside the limits for a class two - 3 diopters)
I have no idea how they came up with these values and I would be surprised if there is any evidence based medicine to justify their stance.
What optican did you go to? Specsavers? surely the optom must have read and advised you about your anisometropia.
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Castleford (near Leeds)
Age: 30
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The optician never mentioned anything about anisometropia. I'm presuming then I cant pass a medical (both class 1 or class 2)?
Where on the class 1 visual standards does it state this?
Where on the class 1 visual standards does it state this?
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jake,
Have a look at the distance vision section here.
As it says in the document, I recommend you get in touch with the CAA at Gatwick for further advice, they are very helpful.
Good luck
Have a look at the distance vision section here.
As it says in the document, I recommend you get in touch with the CAA at Gatwick for further advice, they are very helpful.
Good luck
Psychophysiological entity
Tom and Tea. I've only just picked up on this because so much of this thread these days is asking about regulations.
I trust Tom, that you'll follow Tea with a full checkup - SASPO. If your doctor doesn't want to bother referring you, insist.
It's true it might be little to worry about, but you must find out why it has changed.
The altimeter needle thing. That's an odd one, but not for the reasons you may think. Some people see a regular flow of the needle, say when climbing, and this is constant. When others look away, and then back to the needle, it seems to have stuck while you're not looking, but then resumes normally with its rotation. This is normal, and has to do with the brain buffering information - and handing you what some sub-processing thinks you should be expecting.
I trust Tom, that you'll follow Tea with a full checkup - SASPO. If your doctor doesn't want to bother referring you, insist.
It's true it might be little to worry about, but you must find out why it has changed.
The altimeter needle thing. That's an odd one, but not for the reasons you may think. Some people see a regular flow of the needle, say when climbing, and this is constant. When others look away, and then back to the needle, it seems to have stuck while you're not looking, but then resumes normally with its rotation. This is normal, and has to do with the brain buffering information - and handing you what some sub-processing thinks you should be expecting.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Somerset, UK
Age: 40
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tea, thanks for your reply. As a rule I avoid googling any medical condition as it's liable to send one into a panic, convinced that you have only minutes left to live! I trust that your referral went OK?
Loose Rivets, thanks also. I did go to see my GP shortly after posting, and she didn't seem too bothered and said it wasn't worth referring me to a specialist (she was also pretty nonplussed with my impersonation of an altimeter). I now wish I'd been more insistent on asking for a referral.
Your 'alternative' explanation of the altimeter needle thing is very interesting. Next time I'm in the cockpit I'll bear it in mind and will see if the picture fits, so to speak.
Either way I think I'll have this looked into again. I can certainly live with it as it has no practical impact whatsoever on my vision, but better to have this confirmed, I think.
Loose Rivets, thanks also. I did go to see my GP shortly after posting, and she didn't seem too bothered and said it wasn't worth referring me to a specialist (she was also pretty nonplussed with my impersonation of an altimeter). I now wish I'd been more insistent on asking for a referral.
Your 'alternative' explanation of the altimeter needle thing is very interesting. Next time I'm in the cockpit I'll bear it in mind and will see if the picture fits, so to speak.
Either way I think I'll have this looked into again. I can certainly live with it as it has no practical impact whatsoever on my vision, but better to have this confirmed, I think.
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: where ops say
Age: 36
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah the google diagnosis was something along those lines! Lesson learned though (until the next time). Appointment is later this week so I'll let you know. As for the referral it was actually my optician who initiated it (after a bit of pushing from me) so I'd maybe try a visit to see your optician rather than your GP.
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Visible Strabismus, do I have a chance?
Hi Everyone,
As many of you I dream of becoming an Airline pilot since many years. I was born with a strabismus and had 4 surgeries since then. The last surgery was 5 years ago when I was 18.
I managed to get a German class 2 and did my German ppl-a back in 2006. Currently I study in Florida and was able to get a FAA class 1 medical with no restrictions. I finished my US commercial instrument in 2010.
I have never thought of getting a class 1 in any country. I only made it because of the help of many good people including my medical examiner.
Now the problem I have is that I want to fly and live in Europe and that I need to get a JAA class1 intitial to do so. I am pretty sure they will fail me after reading through many previous posts.
I have a clearly visible strabismus (eso and up) especially when Im tired or when I focus with the right eye (I can switch between my eyes). It has been a couple of years since I have visited an opthamologist, which is why I cannot remember my exact symptoms. The things I know are that I don't have double vision, I have 20/20 eyesight and a normal field of vision. I do not have stereo vision and cant see whats on the test cards.
I would apreciate it if some of you share your experience and if you think that the faa class1, jaa class2 and faa ratings I currently hold will help me pass the jaa class 1? I have 170 hours total time.
Thank you all very much!!
As many of you I dream of becoming an Airline pilot since many years. I was born with a strabismus and had 4 surgeries since then. The last surgery was 5 years ago when I was 18.
I managed to get a German class 2 and did my German ppl-a back in 2006. Currently I study in Florida and was able to get a FAA class 1 medical with no restrictions. I finished my US commercial instrument in 2010.
I have never thought of getting a class 1 in any country. I only made it because of the help of many good people including my medical examiner.
Now the problem I have is that I want to fly and live in Europe and that I need to get a JAA class1 intitial to do so. I am pretty sure they will fail me after reading through many previous posts.
I have a clearly visible strabismus (eso and up) especially when Im tired or when I focus with the right eye (I can switch between my eyes). It has been a couple of years since I have visited an opthamologist, which is why I cannot remember my exact symptoms. The things I know are that I don't have double vision, I have 20/20 eyesight and a normal field of vision. I do not have stereo vision and cant see whats on the test cards.
I would apreciate it if some of you share your experience and if you think that the faa class1, jaa class2 and faa ratings I currently hold will help me pass the jaa class 1? I have 170 hours total time.
Thank you all very much!!
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: where ops say
Age: 36
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just an update he diagnosed it as Holmes-Adie pupil. Said if it wasn't affecting my vision already it wasn't likely to cause me any problems in the future (although I've gone and done it, I've put it in to google!). There seems to be conflicting information online with some sites saying it's non-progressive and therefore I shouldn't worry about developing new symptoms, but with other sites saying it can get worse with age and go on to affect both eyes . Anyone any the wiser?
. Anyone any the wiser?
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Kiev, Ukraine
Age: 44
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Could anyone reply?
Currently, I have Class 3 Medical Certificate and I want to start my PPL-ATPL training. The only problem is my eyesight. I`m short eye sighted a bit.
I`ve just read this:
Eye standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are:
(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/20 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.
(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If age 50 or older, near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at both 16 inches and 32 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.
As far as I understand if I wear glasses or lenses I can pass eye sight tests? Could anyone one confirm that I understand the text correctly?
Those numbers are not ring any bells in my mind
I just dont want to make LASIK eye surgery because in every day life I do not suffer much from my shortsightednes.
Currently, I have Class 3 Medical Certificate and I want to start my PPL-ATPL training. The only problem is my eyesight. I`m short eye sighted a bit.
I`ve just read this:
Eye standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are:
(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/20 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.
(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If age 50 or older, near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at both 16 inches and 32 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.
As far as I understand if I wear glasses or lenses I can pass eye sight tests? Could anyone one confirm that I understand the text correctly?
Those numbers are not ring any bells in my mind
I just dont want to make LASIK eye surgery because in every day life I do not suffer much from my shortsightednes.
Guest
Posts: n/a
eye sight
Hi,
so anyway Im currently 15. I have had great eyesight when I was young but when I was 13 it went down. Now Im about 15:20. This really worries me because if you don`t have what it takes in the medical exam you can`t fly. Im soooooo worried because it is a really what I want to be. Can someone give me an advise on how to get better eyesight so I can pass the medical exam.
so anyway Im currently 15. I have had great eyesight when I was young but when I was 13 it went down. Now Im about 15:20. This really worries me because if you don`t have what it takes in the medical exam you can`t fly. Im soooooo worried because it is a really what I want to be. Can someone give me an advise on how to get better eyesight so I can pass the medical exam.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 41
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi guys,
I'm a new addition to the forum. I'm a 29 years old wannabe (with 1.00 hours TFT !) thats just almost scraped enough cash for his full whack ATPL course. I have undergone my Initial Class 1 medical at Gatwick 2 weeks ago (11th May) & would like to share my experiences with you since the results of my vision tests will hopefully be of value to some fellow wannabes.
Firstly, the other tests were all spot, well within limits EXCEPT of course for the vision.
Although my current post-LASIK vision was satisfactory (0.00 & +0.25) I did have LASIK 5 years ago. My limits pre-LASIK were as follows:
R eye (sphere) -6.50
L eye (sphere) -6.00
R eye (cyclic) -0.50
L eye (cyclic) -0.50
Thats a TOTAL error of -7.00 & -6.50, both outside the limit.
Because I had LASIK I had to have two additional tests done on my eyes in addition to the usual stuff.
First was the "spot the polo mint through the welding mask" test.
Secondly I had to have drops put in to open up my pupils, for the Aeroexaminer (Adrian - nice man) to have a good poke round the back of my eyes with a torch (pardon the pun). Beware that the drops make you very sensitive to light and you wont be able to drive for a few hours (I just went to the airport to watch the planes touching down until they wore off).
In the end all my eye functions were well within tolerances (colour vision, peripheral vision, condition of the eye) AND my LASIK was done 5 years ago, so was very stable. This all boiled down to the Aeroexaminer saying that he was happy with my eyes and in view of my current good overall health & prescription was perfectly happy to grant me a deviation to my UNLIMITED Class-1 certificate due to excessive pre-LASIK prescriptive limits (Unlimited G-reg aircraft operations
).
Now the interesting bits.
He said that deviation will NOT be automatically recognized by individual JAR countries, I would have to ask individual CAA's if they would honour the deviation (He reassured me that if someone from another JAR country came to them with a deviation they would normally accept it).
On a personal note he also suggested to hold onto my purse until EASA kicks in since even he was mudddled as to what is going to happen. He said that the last draft of EASA FCL he's seen still had the pre-prescription limits in it...
(yes I know...)
He also said he was unaware of what is going to happen to grandfather rights but confirmed that getting the Class-1 before EASA is a prudent move.
Overall I thought they were a good, friendly bunch of people & I didn't feel too stressed - exept when I found I pee'd into somebody else's paper cup...
I'm a new addition to the forum. I'm a 29 years old wannabe (with 1.00 hours TFT !) thats just almost scraped enough cash for his full whack ATPL course. I have undergone my Initial Class 1 medical at Gatwick 2 weeks ago (11th May) & would like to share my experiences with you since the results of my vision tests will hopefully be of value to some fellow wannabes.
Firstly, the other tests were all spot, well within limits EXCEPT of course for the vision.
Although my current post-LASIK vision was satisfactory (0.00 & +0.25) I did have LASIK 5 years ago. My limits pre-LASIK were as follows:
R eye (sphere) -6.50
L eye (sphere) -6.00
R eye (cyclic) -0.50
L eye (cyclic) -0.50
Thats a TOTAL error of -7.00 & -6.50, both outside the limit.
Because I had LASIK I had to have two additional tests done on my eyes in addition to the usual stuff.
First was the "spot the polo mint through the welding mask" test.
Secondly I had to have drops put in to open up my pupils, for the Aeroexaminer (Adrian - nice man) to have a good poke round the back of my eyes with a torch (pardon the pun). Beware that the drops make you very sensitive to light and you wont be able to drive for a few hours (I just went to the airport to watch the planes touching down until they wore off).
In the end all my eye functions were well within tolerances (colour vision, peripheral vision, condition of the eye) AND my LASIK was done 5 years ago, so was very stable. This all boiled down to the Aeroexaminer saying that he was happy with my eyes and in view of my current good overall health & prescription was perfectly happy to grant me a deviation to my UNLIMITED Class-1 certificate due to excessive pre-LASIK prescriptive limits (Unlimited G-reg aircraft operations
).Now the interesting bits.
He said that deviation will NOT be automatically recognized by individual JAR countries, I would have to ask individual CAA's if they would honour the deviation (He reassured me that if someone from another JAR country came to them with a deviation they would normally accept it).
On a personal note he also suggested to hold onto my purse until EASA kicks in since even he was mudddled as to what is going to happen. He said that the last draft of EASA FCL he's seen still had the pre-prescription limits in it...
(yes I know...)He also said he was unaware of what is going to happen to grandfather rights but confirmed that getting the Class-1 before EASA is a prudent move.
Overall I thought they were a good, friendly bunch of people & I didn't feel too stressed - exept when I found I pee'd into somebody else's paper cup...
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Brisbane
Age: 47
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
difference in vision required for domestic vs international commercial pilots?
Hi,
I had a class 2 medical exam for my student pilots licence today.
My Doctor mentioned with my sight(I wear glasses, I never considered my vision to be massively bad though, well not till today) I wouldn't be able to ever be a commercial international pilot, although a domestic commercial pilot is ok.
He also mention laser eye surgery is frowned upon, from reading Chuck's post it looks like some countries this might be acceptable. Could anyone point me in the right direction to clarify for an International pilot? Would the local aviation authority be the right place, in my case CASA?
Don't really want my dream shot down so early in the piece.
I had a class 2 medical exam for my student pilots licence today.
My Doctor mentioned with my sight(I wear glasses, I never considered my vision to be massively bad though, well not till today) I wouldn't be able to ever be a commercial international pilot, although a domestic commercial pilot is ok.
He also mention laser eye surgery is frowned upon, from reading Chuck's post it looks like some countries this might be acceptable. Could anyone point me in the right direction to clarify for an International pilot? Would the local aviation authority be the right place, in my case CASA?
Don't really want my dream shot down so early in the piece.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Earth
Age: 46
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Roma ua,
What you write sounds like FAA´s class 1 and yes, it is correct. As long as you can achieve 20/20 vision, it doesn´t matter how much diopters you have...and of course as long as all other eyes functions are also normal i.e. color vision, normal fields etc.
If you will study in Europe, requirements are a bit different.
What you write sounds like FAA´s class 1 and yes, it is correct. As long as you can achieve 20/20 vision, it doesn´t matter how much diopters you have...and of course as long as all other eyes functions are also normal i.e. color vision, normal fields etc.
If you will study in Europe, requirements are a bit different.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: EU
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello guys
Gonna take my medical pretty soon. I went to my doctor a while ago and he concluded that my left eye is perfect (1.00) but my right eye is 0.67 or 6/9 I believe it was called as well.
I can see perfectly fine with both my eyes together but not so that great with my right eye only.
My question is, do I need contact lenses or do you think I will be allowed to fly uncorrected? If it turns out I need some sort of correction, will they tell me and approve the medical or will I fail the medical and have to try again once I get contact lenses?
Gonna take my medical pretty soon. I went to my doctor a while ago and he concluded that my left eye is perfect (1.00) but my right eye is 0.67 or 6/9 I believe it was called as well.
I can see perfectly fine with both my eyes together but not so that great with my right eye only.
My question is, do I need contact lenses or do you think I will be allowed to fly uncorrected? If it turns out I need some sort of correction, will they tell me and approve the medical or will I fail the medical and have to try again once I get contact lenses?
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you will need to use glasses or contacts to correct your vision, all that will happen is that the doctor will stamp your medical with a restriction that you must use your correction while flying, so that you and your medical are legal..
