Arterial vascular disease affecting the eye reduces visual acuity and field of vision in the affected eye, sometimes permanently. It is usually associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality.
Applicants with arterial vascular disease affecting the eye should be made unfit. An assessment of visual function and a cardiovascular review must be carried out, as set out in the following paragraphs. They must then be referred to a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical assessor for consideration on a case by case basis.
Assessment of visual function
A report must be obtained from the treating consultant ophthalmologist, to include:
- visual acuity in each eye separately
- visual field results (monocular and binocular Esterman in accordance with the visual field guidance)
Assessment of cardiovascular risk
All applicants must undergo a cardiovascular review (for Class 1 and 3 with a consultant cardiologist), to include:
- full blood count (FBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- results of temporal artery biopsy if performed
- Carotid Doppler scan and echocardiogram
- confirmation that blood pressure is within normal limits
- a 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment with appropriate management of other cardiovascular risk factors
- exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), symptom limited and performed in accordance with the Bruce protocol
- thrombophilia screen
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