Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Air Force Aviators: A Review

摘要

Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) is an uncommon disease with the potential to cause loss of visual acuity, decreased color vision, and decreased depth perception. These visual changes may become permanent and require removal of aviators from flight status. This study reviews 55 eyes of 47 USAF aviators with ICSC examined at the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM), Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. Clinical and aeromedical findings, both on initial and follow-up opthalmic examination, were studied. Ninety-seven percent of aviators otherwise medically qualified were ultimately returned to flight status. Eighty-four percent attained a final visual acuity of 20/20 or better. On final examination, 86% had normal stereopsis, 85% had normal color vision and 41% had a normal Amsler Grid examination. Overall, 51% had recurrent episodes, 17% had bilateral disease and 13% underwent laser photocoagulation. Visual acuity correlated with active disease and color vision, but not with stereopsis, Amsler Grid or laser photocoagulation. Eyes with a recurrence tended to have a degraded final visual acuity. The visual and aeromedical prognosis from a single attack of ICSC is generally favorable, but repeated attacks can lead to a significant decrease in visual acuity that may jeopardize flying status. Keywords: Maculopathy, Depth perception, Fluorscin angiography. (aw)