Evaluation of the Softperm Contact Lens in the Simulated Aircraft Environment

摘要

Probably the most important of the senses used by a pilot while operating anaircraft is his sight. This was especially true in the early days of aerial combat when the pilot who spotted his opponent first usually had the advantage. As the popular World War II saying states, 'A pilot's eyes are his best weapon.' With the radar and weapons systems that are carried aboard modern fighter aircraft, one might assume that sight is less important to today's pilot than in the past. However, pilots are still required to have good distance visual acuity to ensure that they are able to see and avoid other aircraft, while good near acuity is needed to monitor the instrument panel and clearly read aerial charts, approach plates, and check lists. As aircraft become faster and more sophisticated, the visual demands placed on the pilot are even greater. This is especially true for modern day fighter aircraft which routinely fly at supersonic speeds while requiring the pilot to monitor sophisticated flight instruments, assess radar information, and operate communication, navigation, and weapon systems.