Saturday, August 20, 2011

Central Serous Retinopathy Frequently Touches Upon Airline Pilots

This article has been viewed 5 times.

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.

Basically the increased fluids build up under the retina detaching it from the supporting muscle. This affects the vision resulting in an out of focus blind spot in the middle of the eye. Other symptoms might be loss of light sensitivity and distorted distant objects.

Pilots must be concerned about this condition affecting their vision. Limited vision means losing their license. One assumes they are getting regular yearly check ups and making lifestyle changes to develop better sources of relaxation. Prone to jet lag, less sleep and increased tranquilizer use than most people the pilot?s life is not so romantic. Whether or not they are compensated for their visual impairment is a good question to ponder.

The likelihood of the affliction recurring is probable and each subsequent occurrence will contribute to the reduction in vision acuity. If stress reducing techniques are not quickly implemented and the condition continues the retina will suffer the consequences of loss of nutrients. Permanent vision loss is inevitable.

Israeli Air Force pilots were tested to ascertain if they were afflicted with CSR. The data indicated that this occurred on a regular basis and further attacks depended on how critically the first attack was.

A case reported in Australia of a commercial transport pilot having lost vision in his right eye eventually left him with permanent damage in that eye. He had his license to fly removed but was eventually allowed to fly on a conditional license since the left eye was untouched.

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.

CSR has been treated by laser but in very limited cases. The nature of the affliction is difficult for the laser to treat. The best cure is preventative so learning at the outset how to relax and keep the cortisol levels low should be a priority. The type A personality in particular needs to learn how to relax and not allow their natural tendency to over-achieve keep them in a constant state of anxiety.

Central serous retinopathy should not be taken lightly. Pilots need to examine how to deal with stress in a more effective way. Yoga and tai chi offer opportunities to learn how to tackle the stress issues but there are many other options too. If their vision has been compromised they need to ask if it might not be better to stop flying altogether in the interest of saving their vision.

CENTRAL SEROUS RETINOPATHY is a impairment which applies to airline pilots at a high level level. CENTRAL SEROUS RETINOPATHY and Stress are linked due to the increased levels of cortisol in the eye, resulting in vision deterioration.. Free reprint available from: Central Serous Retinopathy Frequently Touches Upon Airline Pilots.

HTML Ready Article You Can Place On Your Site.
(do not remove any attribution to source or author)


Source: http://www.healtharticlesdirect.com/articles-about-health-and-fitness/central-serous-retinopathy-frequently-touches-upon-airline-pilots/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=central-serous-retinopathy-frequently-touches-upon-airline-pilots

canvas weather underground toefl toefl bolt barbados honeywell

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.