FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
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Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-91/14

Title and Subtitle: The Prevalence of Aphakiain in The Civil Airman Population

Report Date: August 1991

Authors: Nakagawara, V.B., Loochan, F.K. Wood, K.J.

Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration allows civilian airmen with aphakia to fly with waivered certificates. This study analyzes the distribution of aphakia in the civil airman populatoin by type (unilateral, bilateral), class of airman medical certificate, and gender for a 4-year period (1982-85). Medical records were evaluated for all certified airmen during the study period who were carrying pathology codes for aphakia and artificial lens implant. The percentage increase in the prevalence of aphakia was higher for bilateral, second-class certificate holders, and male aphakics. The incidence of total and unilateral aphakia declined during the last 2 years of the study period. Aphakia has become increasingly prevalent in the civil airman population. The increased application and modification of surgical procedures for cataract extraction, coupled with possible visual complications from these procedures in flight operations, strongly suggests continued specialized aeromedical certification and clinical research review.

Key Words: Vision; Epidemiology; Aphakia; Lens; Intraocular; Medical Certification

No. of Pages: 17