Impact of hypoxic and mesopic environments on visual acuity,contrast sensitivity and accommodation in subjects with LASIK surgery and aircrew candidate

Background

The safety of Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in aircrew was unclear, in addition, LASIK was not yet approved for aircrew of Taiwan Air Force. This study was aimed to evaluate visual performance in LASIK eyes in hypoxic and twilight environment.

Methods

48 myopic eyes of 24 subjects enrolled in this study were divided into LASIK group and control group. Subjects were exposed in hypoxic (15% O₂) and mesopic (3 cd/m²) environment. Visual performance was evaluated using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual chart, and Functional Acuity Contrast Test (FACT) before and after the expirement. Physiological parameters of all subjects were measured and recorded throughout the experiment.

Results

There was no significant difference of the two groups regarding their age, height, weight, and BMI. There is significant difference of preoperative spherical refractive error between the two groups. The results of physiological parameters were similar between two groups. Under normoxic conditions, there were no significant difference regarding distant vision in photopic and mesopic environments, so as for near vision. As a whole, the contrast sensitivity of the LASIK group were lowered than that of the control group about 35%, under whether normoxic or hypoxic conditions; photopic or mesopic circumstances. Under normoxic conditions, the measured accommodation of the LASIK group were 21% lowered than that of the control group and 31% lowered under hypoxic circumstances.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference of visual acuity between the two groups regarding hypoxic and mesopic environment, but reduced contrast sensitivity was significant in LASIK group as compared to those of the control group. Accommodation was significantly lowered in LASIK group, compared with control group, in hypoxic environment. Whether postoperative visual performance after LASIK in aircrew during flying duty is safe might need further investigation.