Effect of Simulated Altitude on the Visual Fields of Glaucoma Patients and theElderly

摘要

This study tests whether mild hypoxia, that is typically encountered in civilianaircraft, causes temporary visual field defects in elderly persons or temporarily increases pre-existing defects in persons with glaucoma. The central 24-2 program on the Humphrey automated perimeter was used to test visual fields in three groups of subjects: six with glaucoma, 12 age matched controls all of whom were over 44 years of age, and six normal subjects under age 36. Visual fields were tested at ground level and at 10,000 feet in an alternating sequence. A repeated measures design of multiple analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Altitude was found to have no effect on the visual fields of subjects with glaucoma, age-matched normals, and younger subjects. We found no evidence to suggest a change in the present Federal Aviation Administration standards, which allow a special issuance certificate to persons with glaucoma who wish to obtain medical clearance to operate civilian aircraft. Nor have we found any evidence that should discourage glaucoma patients from flying as passengers.