Abstract
Purpose: :
The purpose of this study is to identify ocular complaints and binocular disturbances in Apache AH-64 flyers using the forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera over a 10 year period.
Methods: :
Retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series.
Results: :
The average age of enrollment in the study was 30 years. The flyers were followed for an average of 8.0 years. The average of fly hours with the FLIR system was 377 hours. Visual acuity was 1.0 or higher in 96% at time of enrollment, and 100% at 10 years. Stereopsis was normal (mean, 80 seconds of arc). Accommodation power deteriorated on average by 0.235 D/year (SD±0.056). No significant exophoria was found. Color vision was unaffected by the use of the FLIR system. Common complaints using FLIR were generally short-lived and mild (0.5-1 hour), and included eye strain, temporary blurred vision, and the perception of a red-tan hue.
Conclusions: :
Visual acuity and binocular functions were not affected by the use of the FLIR system. Accommodation decreased in the follow-up period as would be expected in the normal population. Visual complaints were generally of temporary nature.
Keywords: binocular vision/stereopsis • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • vision and action