Central Serous Retinopathy Unavoidably Concerns Airline Pilots

By Chloe J. Mills


Central serous retinopathy afflicts pilots on a regular basis. It is a condition that impairs the vision of the afflicted individual who tends to be under a lot of stress. The increased stress that they experience stimulates the production of a hormone helping the body to better handle the heightened anxiety. Individuals who have CSR levels measuring 50-80% more than most people will be more susceptible to the condition.

The extra fluid that the cortisol produces lifts the retina from the muscle holding it in place. This results in blurry vision and a blind spot. Loss of light sensitivity and distorted images are also a worrying symptom.

Afflicted pilots must be concerned since they risk losing their licenses. Regular eye checkups must be given to monitor the condition. Pilots must constantly cope with poor sleeping habits and jet lag. The conditions are not conducive to stress reduction. They must take the incentive and learn how to do this themselves. Since this is a job hazard the question that arises is whether or not they receive any compensation for vision loss.

The inevitability of the symptoms returning are probable. With that more visual deterioration is inevitable. If the condition persists the retina will be devoid of nutrition from the muscle and permanent damage will be the result.

A study done in Israel to collect data on CSR and Israeli Air Force pilots found that CSR is a common condition in their pilots. The extent to which their vision is affected on the first attack will determine the likelihood of recurrent attacks.

Pilots all over the world are at risk as in the case of the Australian pilot who flew commercial transport planes. He is now flying with a limited license since the right eye is permanently damaged. The left one is still in good condition but it could become afflicted too.

Pilot forums online indicate concern about not passing eye examinations. Tests are administered every year and pilots are trying to find ways to not lose their licenses. The conversations suggest that this is an ongoing concern and they are trying to find answers from doctors and pilots in the field of aviation.

There is no clinical treatment for CSR. Some attempts at providing laser treatment have been tried but the general recommendation is for the afflicted individual to find ways to relax. If the individual is also a type A personality who is competitive and achievement-oriented they have an added challenge to find ways to relax.

There are many techniques to relieve stress. Different breathing techniques are helpful as well as yoga and tai chi. Finding passions and hobbies in one's life can turn around the feeling of stress to one of satisfaction. Central serous retinopathy can develop into a serious condition . If afflicted pilots need to take a serious look at their tolerance for stress and ask themselves if losing their good vision is worth continuing to fly.




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