Military aviation and vision. The impact of aerodynamic force on vision Review article

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Published: Sep 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24292/01.OT.231924
Keywords:
military aviation, aerodynamic force, aerospace medicine, flight safety, pilots’ visual

Main Article Content

Krystian Bakalarski
Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0009-0006-1425-1590
Katarzyna Ulaszewska
"Orbita”, Medical Center in Warsaw
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2941-4878
Katarzyna Różycka
Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0009-0000-4144-0588
Małgorzata Różycka
Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0009-0001-3643-0948
Piotr Nesterowicz
Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-1999-6956
Alan Chamernik
“Orbita”, Medical Center in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-0987-084X
Kacper Kranc
Hospital of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Wołomin
Radosław Różycki
1. Ophthalmology Clinic, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw. 2. "Orbita”, Medical Center in Warsaw
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7040-026X

Abstract

The state of health and vision plays a crucial role in the effective and safe performance of duties by military pilots. Working in the air and exposure to aerodynamic stress can lead to various vision problems, which can be both temporary and permanent. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome, susceptibility to cataracts, and macular degeneration are more common among pilots than in the general population. Additionally, flights in hyperbaric chambers and significant aerodynamic stress can induce various ocular symptoms, such as corneal swelling, flashes in the eyes, or visual field disturbances, which can temporarily affect vision. Although most of these symptoms are reversible, there is a need for more scientific research on ophthalmic issues related to the work of military pilots to better understand these issues and develop appropriate prevention strategies. In the context of military operations, maintaining healthy vision is a key factor in the success of missions.

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1.
Bakalarski K, Ulaszewska K, Różycka K, Różycka M, Nesterowicz P, Chamernik A, Kranc K, Różycki R. Military aviation and vision. The impact of aerodynamic force on vision. Ophthatherapy [Internet]. 2024Sep.30 [cited 2024Dec.3];00. Available from: https://journalsmededu.pl/index.php/ophthatherapy/article/view/3071
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