Visual Aura- advice needed.
 

Hi everyone,

I would just like to ask your opinions on a condition that I have. When looking at the sky for long durations, I can sometimes get heat wave like lines that appear and move outwars in the centre of my vision. I don't get any headaches/migraines etc with it, and I can reduce it if I wear sunglasses. Otherwise, my vision is fine (with corrective lenses). This Only lasts until I stop looking at the sky/wear my sunglasses. I've had this all my life.

I already have a class 1 but didn't think to mention it as I thought it was normal until now! My optician has said it's visual Aura. What chance do you think I have of passing again?

Many thanks, Jeevan.

A visual aura normally relates to migraine which I presume you do not have. I would not use the term in earshot of the CAA. It would appear to be a purely optical phenomenon and if you pass regular eye tests I would not worry.

Thank you so much radgirl. Yes I have no other issues apart from that. No migraines etc... Should I still mention this when I get my medical renewed?

Generally benign if no other symptoms. Look up teichopsia and scintillating scotoma.

Thanks for that. Yeh I was aware of them both but the thing is it looks nothing like that haha. Best way I can describe it is like when your looking through a propeller when flying in a light aircraft. Looks almost if not identical. I get it when it's very bright outside and I'm staring at the clouds etc.. I can still see fine and there's no other symptoms. I'm just really worried about passing again because of it.

Be very very careful using the term "aura" in conjunction with "I've had this all my life".
If your vision is fine, then your CAA or flight surgeon might interpret this as a neurological issue - focal aura, which is nothing less than a (light type) seizure. If this is in the air, even erroneously, then you're out and you can look for a new job (if working as a pilot).

Thanks for the information, no I don't suffer from siezures and the problems I have stated are the only ones.

I was assuming that, but just the advise which words you're using. "aura" can be desastrous and you might have "seizures" which you don't notice as a typical seizure. This is what Neurologists might tell you.

I'll Have to wait and see from the specialist. But thanks for the advice!