Impact of occupational visual demands on the progression of presbyopia in civilian pilots.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Presbyopia, an age-related decline in near vision, significantly impacts daily functioning and work performance in visually demanding professions. Understanding occupational factors influencing presbyopia is crucial for optimizing vision screening and management strategies.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the prevalence and progression of presbyopia in civilian pilots aged 40 and above with an age-matched control group lacking aviation experience.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study involved 1124 participants (159 females, 965 males). The study group comprised civilian aviators aged 40+ with at least five years of flying experience, while controls had no aviation history. Comprehensive visual assessments were performed.

RESULTS

Civilian aviators exhibited significantly lower near addition values compared to controls (mean +0.59 ± 0.71 D vs. +1.61 ± 0.71 D; p < 0.01). Gender-specific analysis revealed a more pronounced difference in female pilots versus female controls (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Civilian pilots aged 40 and above may experience delayed onset or slower progression of presbyopia. These findings suggest that aviation-related visual demands and proactive ocular health practices might mitigate presbyopia development. Further research is needed to validate these findings and assess long-term occupational visual influences.