Many pilots are starting to express a concern over contracting a condition called central serous retinopathy. This visual impairment occurs mainly in people who are under a lot of stress. The body naturally reacts to the stress by producing a hormone to help the body deal with the anxiety. This hormone is called cortisol and without it humans would die. Airline pilots are a susceptible demographic to this condition and tests indicate their cortisol levels are more than fifty percent higher than non pilots.
The retina becomes detached from the muscle that supports it due to a build-up of fluids connected with the high cortisol levels. The vision damage results in a blurred blind spot in the center of the eye. The eye may also have lost a sensitivity to light and objects may also appear farther away or distorted.
Pilots must be concerned about this condition affecting their vision. Limited vision means losing their license. One assumes they are getting regular yearly check ups and making lifestyle changes to develop better sources of relaxation. Prone to jet lag, less sleep and increased tranquilizer use than most people the pilot's life is not so romantic. Whether or not they are compensated for their visual impairment is a good question to ponder.
Data also reveals that the condition will re-occur and each time that happens their vision will deteriorate. If the condition continues for a long stretch of time the retina will no longer receive the nourishment from the muscle and the vision will be permanently damaged.
Israeli Air Force pilots were tested to ascertain if they were afflicted with CSR. The data indicated that this occurred on a regular basis and further attacks depended on how critically the first attack was.
Pilots all over the world are at risk as in the case of the Australian pilot who flew commercial transport planes. He is now flying with a limited license since the right eye is permanently damaged. The left one is still in good condition but it could become afflicted too.
Pilot forums online indicate concern about not passing eye examinations. Tests are administered every year and pilots are trying to find ways to not lose their licenses. The conversations suggest that this is an ongoing concern and they are trying to find answers from doctors and pilots in the field of aviation.
CSR has been treated by laser but in very limited cases. The nature of the affliction is difficult for the laser to treat. The best cure is preventative so learning at the outset how to relax and keep the cortisol levels low should be a priority. The type A personality in particular needs to learn how to relax and not allow their natural tendency to over-achieve keep them in a constant state of anxiety.
Central serous retinopathy should not be taken lightly. Pilots need to examine how to deal with stress in a more effective way. Yoga and tai chi offer opportunities to learn how to tackle the stress issues but there are many other options too. If their vision has been compromised they need to ask if it might not be better to stop flying altogether in the interest of saving their vision.
The retina becomes detached from the muscle that supports it due to a build-up of fluids connected with the high cortisol levels. The vision damage results in a blurred blind spot in the center of the eye. The eye may also have lost a sensitivity to light and objects may also appear farther away or distorted.
Pilots must be concerned about this condition affecting their vision. Limited vision means losing their license. One assumes they are getting regular yearly check ups and making lifestyle changes to develop better sources of relaxation. Prone to jet lag, less sleep and increased tranquilizer use than most people the pilot's life is not so romantic. Whether or not they are compensated for their visual impairment is a good question to ponder.
Data also reveals that the condition will re-occur and each time that happens their vision will deteriorate. If the condition continues for a long stretch of time the retina will no longer receive the nourishment from the muscle and the vision will be permanently damaged.
Israeli Air Force pilots were tested to ascertain if they were afflicted with CSR. The data indicated that this occurred on a regular basis and further attacks depended on how critically the first attack was.
Pilots all over the world are at risk as in the case of the Australian pilot who flew commercial transport planes. He is now flying with a limited license since the right eye is permanently damaged. The left one is still in good condition but it could become afflicted too.
Pilot forums online indicate concern about not passing eye examinations. Tests are administered every year and pilots are trying to find ways to not lose their licenses. The conversations suggest that this is an ongoing concern and they are trying to find answers from doctors and pilots in the field of aviation.
CSR has been treated by laser but in very limited cases. The nature of the affliction is difficult for the laser to treat. The best cure is preventative so learning at the outset how to relax and keep the cortisol levels low should be a priority. The type A personality in particular needs to learn how to relax and not allow their natural tendency to over-achieve keep them in a constant state of anxiety.
Central serous retinopathy should not be taken lightly. Pilots need to examine how to deal with stress in a more effective way. Yoga and tai chi offer opportunities to learn how to tackle the stress issues but there are many other options too. If their vision has been compromised they need to ask if it might not be better to stop flying altogether in the interest of saving their vision.
About the Author:
CENTRAL SEROUS RETINOPATHY is a impairment that affects airline pilots at a high level level. CENTRAL SEROUS RETINOPATHY and Stress are associated because of the increased levels of cortisol in the eye, resulting in vision loss.
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