Assessment of Visual Field Alterations Among Airline Pilots: A Retrospective Analysis of Long-Term Flight Exposure

Objective: Airline pilots are exposed to challenging flight conditions that have adverse effects on their visual field, which is an essential component of visual functions. In this study, we aimed to analyze the long-term effects of flight exposure on visual field characteristics among airline pilots by evaluating initial and subsequent test results conducted in regular aeromedical assessments over an extended period of time.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the records of 41 airline pilots’ initial and follow-up aeromedical examinations conducted between October 2019 and March 2025. Visual field parameters, such as mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and the visual field index (VFI), and total flight hours were also evaluated. A correlation analysis was performed in order to assess the relationship between flight exposure and visual field alterations over time.

Results: Each pilot had a 5-year period between their initial and latest aeromedical examinations. The MD values of both the right and left eyes showed an insignificant increase (P>.05). We did not observe any statistically significant difference among the VFI measurements (P<.05). However, PSD values of both the right and left eyes showed a statistically significant increase (P<.05). In addition, no statistically significant correlation was observed between flight hours and MD, PSD, or VFI values (P>.05).

Conclusion: The results underscore the significance of tracking specific changes in visual fields among airline pilots. Prolonged exposure to flight-related factors might result in subtle ocular changes that require comprehensive ophthalmological assessment in this special cohort.

Cite this article as: Işık B, Ofluoğlu MS, Akburak NK, Comba ÖB, Demir AE. Assessment of visual field alterations among airline pilots: A retrospective analysis of long-term flight exposure. Cerrahpaşa Med J. 2026, 50, 0054, doi: 10.5152/cjm.2026.25054.