Research Information System
Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Clinical relevance: Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are common causes of vision impairment worldwide. In aviation, visual acuity is important for flight safety, as any visual impairment can affect the ability of pilot to perform essential tasks. Background: The aim of this work is to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and the usage of corrective tools among civil aviation pilots and students. Methods: A total of 2069 participants (596 aviation students and 1473 pilots) aged 18–65 were examined during their periodic medical assessments between February 2023 and February 2025. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen charts, and keratometric measurements were obtained using an auto-refractometer. Corrective tool usage, including spectacles and contact lenses, was recorded. Results: The study found that 37.3% of participants were myopic, 50.3% were emmetropic, and 12.4% were hypermetropic. Myopia was more common in students (46.5%) compared to pilots (33.6%). In total, 43% of participants required corrective tools for distance vision, with a higher proportion of students (48.2%) using corrective tools compared to pilots (40.9%). Among those requiring corrective tools, 91.2% preferred spectacles, while 8.8% preferred contact lenses. A significant gender difference was noted in corrective tool preferences, with men more likely to use spectacles. Additionally, 41.9% of pilots aged 40–65 required near-vision correction due to presbyopia. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of visual health management in aviation. The higher prevalence of myopia in aviation students and the increased need for near-vision correction in older pilots underscore the necessity for proactive visual health monitoring. Early screening and appropriate corrective measures, particularly for students, are essential for ensuring flight safety. The findings also suggest the need for tailored vision care strategies in the aviation sector to address age- and gender-specific differences in visual health.