Visual Outcomes Of Class 1 Commercial And Military Pilots With Presbyond Laser Blended Vision
Published 2023 - 41st Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP27.03 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/fzdg-zs24
Authors: Ruchi Gupta* 1 , Dan Reinstein 2 , Eleanor Ivory 3 , Adrian Chorley 4 , Timothy Archer 1 , Glenn Carp 5 , Ryan Vida 1 , Joseph Potter 1 , Tariq Lewis 5 , Mark Parbhoo 6 , Andrew Fonseca 6
1Reinstein Vision,London,United Kingdom;London Vision Clinic,London,United Kingdom, 2Reinstein Vision,London,United Kingdom;London Vision Clinic,London,United Kingdom;Columbia University Medical Center,New York,United States;Sorbonne Université,Paris,France;Ulster University,Biomedical Science Research Institute,Coleraine,United Kingdom, 3Marlborough Aviation Medical,Marlborough,United Kingdom, 4Aviation Vision Services Ltd,Heathrow,United Kingdom, 5London Vision Clinic,London,United Kingdom, 6British Airways Plc,London,United Kingdom
Purpose
To report the visual outcomes of PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision in presbyopic commercial and military pilots requiring Class 1 aeromedical certification.
Setting
London Vision Clinic, London UK
Methods
This was a retrospective study of 23 pilots who underwent PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision treatments using the MEL 80 or MEL 90 excimer laser and VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Postoperative follow-up visits were conducted at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months. Standard outcomes analysis was performed using the data at 12 months.
Results
Out of the 23 pilots treated, data was available at 12 months for 22 pilots (95.7%), and at 3 months for 1 pilot (4.3%). Binocular UDVA was 20/20 or better in 100% and 20/16 or better in 52% of pilots. Binocular UIVA was J3 in 73%, J5 in 95% and J10 in 100% of pilots. Binocular UNVA was J1 or better in 78% and J2 or better in 100% of pilots. Mean postop SEQ relative to the target was -0.04±0.34 D (-0.63 to +0.63 D), with 93% within ±0.50 D. There was 1 line loss CDVA in 9% of eyes, and no eyes lost 2 or more lines CDVA. There was a statistically significant increase in contrast sensitivity at 3, 6, 12, and 18 cpd. There was no statistically significant change in the objective scatter index (OSI) (P=0.461) or straylight (P=0.705).
Conclusions
PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision LASIK enabled presbyopic commercial pilots to continue to fly without the need for glasses. All pilots achieved class 1 medical certification from the Civil Aviation Authority and resumed flying. With consideration of the visually challenging cockpit environment, PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision LASIK provides clear continuous vision for tasks at near, intermediate, and far distance and significantly improved contrast sensitivity.