Fighter Pilot with Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.
BACKGROUND
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is usually a self-limiting condition; however, there is potential for recurrence and permanent visual defects. Aviation demands perfect vision to minimize risk to pilots and aircraft. Consequently, this ailment disqualifies pilots and pilots to be.


METHODS
A fully trained fighter pilot with 1260 h in fighter airframes has been contending with central serous chorioretinopathy in the right eye over the course of 3 yr. The condition was diagnosed after the member presented with visual disturbances. His course was followed with multiple treatment modalities: watchful waiting, micropulse laser, and rifampin. His disease responded well with rifampin, but was ultimately stopped secondary to elevated liver enzymes. Micropulse laser failed to resolve subretinal fluid. Ultimately the pilot is left with a chronic area of CSC without visual defects and faces career termination.


CONCLUSIONS
Uncompromised vision is inherently crucial in aerospace careers, especially that of a fighter pilot. With persistent CSC resistant to treatment, there is a risk for progression to permanent visual disturbances and/or defects. Safety concerns of authority figures overseeing pilots and aircraft are warranted. However, the concern could be mitigated in air frames that require two pilots. Another factor partially responsible for ending his career is the fear of G force affecting his prognosis. The author is not aware of any other studies illuminating the effects or consideration of excess G force on subretinal fluid in CSC. This is an area that requires further study. Dietrich KC. Fighter pilot with recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):901-905.
Eglin AFB, FL, USA.
Kevin C
KC
Dietrich
D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D056833:Central Serous Chorioretinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000070356:Pilots; D012008:Recurrence; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D017211:Treatment Failure; D057832:Watchful Waiting
D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D012293:Rifampin