David-aviator
Well Known Member
This message may be of interest to older pilots and pilots not far from being "older".
My medical certificate is to expire soon so I had an eye exam to make sure I could pass the vision test. I have moderate cataracts but correctible with glasses. The exam revealed a different problem I was not aware of - high pressure in the left eye. Specifically 33, a number determined by the test. FAA limit is 23.
The indication is a precursor to glaucoma which can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness if not treated. The optic nerve has over 1 million transmitters, incredible.
Back to FAA certification - I was concerned that this might be the end. Glaucoma affects peripheral vision as it shuts down eye function.
First thing to happen was the ophthalmologist prescribed Lumigan drops for 30 days to reduce the pressure. The 33 number had to come down to protect the eye and meet FAA minimum standards.
During the 30 day period I checked out the certification requirements for this condition. It turns out the AME has authority to issue the certificate if certain conditions are met. If these basic conditions are not met, the matter is referred to the FAA for review. The test results are reported on FAA form 8500 completed by the ophthalmologist. This information is presented to the AME with a check list as to whether he can certify.
I did not understand much of the information on form 8500 so the outcome was somewhat in doubt until I saw my AME last week. I gave him the report the week before so he could review it before the appointment.
The 30 days of Lumigan worked, left eye pressure dropped to 22. Next came the peripheral test, it was complicated looking at a white dot and indicating when other white dots appeared around the edges of a circle. I thought I flunked it as I had to do part of it over. As it turns out I did not. My AME issued the certificate, he had reviewed the data and that was that. Whew!
If this situation evolves it probsably will be ok with FAA if detected early. Class 1 and 2 certificates are reviewed every 6 months, Class 3 can go 2 years. The down side is Lumigan drops are forever. Eye pressure should be checked every 6 months to verify the medication is working, it comes in variable strength.
My medical certificate is to expire soon so I had an eye exam to make sure I could pass the vision test. I have moderate cataracts but correctible with glasses. The exam revealed a different problem I was not aware of - high pressure in the left eye. Specifically 33, a number determined by the test. FAA limit is 23.
The indication is a precursor to glaucoma which can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness if not treated. The optic nerve has over 1 million transmitters, incredible.
Back to FAA certification - I was concerned that this might be the end. Glaucoma affects peripheral vision as it shuts down eye function.
First thing to happen was the ophthalmologist prescribed Lumigan drops for 30 days to reduce the pressure. The 33 number had to come down to protect the eye and meet FAA minimum standards.
During the 30 day period I checked out the certification requirements for this condition. It turns out the AME has authority to issue the certificate if certain conditions are met. If these basic conditions are not met, the matter is referred to the FAA for review. The test results are reported on FAA form 8500 completed by the ophthalmologist. This information is presented to the AME with a check list as to whether he can certify.
I did not understand much of the information on form 8500 so the outcome was somewhat in doubt until I saw my AME last week. I gave him the report the week before so he could review it before the appointment.
The 30 days of Lumigan worked, left eye pressure dropped to 22. Next came the peripheral test, it was complicated looking at a white dot and indicating when other white dots appeared around the edges of a circle. I thought I flunked it as I had to do part of it over. As it turns out I did not. My AME issued the certificate, he had reviewed the data and that was that. Whew!
If this situation evolves it probsably will be ok with FAA if detected early. Class 1 and 2 certificates are reviewed every 6 months, Class 3 can go 2 years. The down side is Lumigan drops are forever. Eye pressure should be checked every 6 months to verify the medication is working, it comes in variable strength.