Flynn W J, Miller R E, Tredici T J, Block M G, Kirby E E, Provines W F
Ophthalmology Branch, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5301.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1987 Nov;58(11):1115-8.
A concern in the past regarding contact lens wear in aviation has been the fear of subcontact lens bubble formation. Previous reports have documented the occurrence of bubbles with hard (PMMA) lenses. Reported here are the results of contact lens bubble studies with soft hydrophilic and rigid gas-permeable lenses. Testing was accomplished in hypobaric chambers and onboard USAF transport aircraft. Hypobaric chamber flights were of three types: high-altitude flights up to 7,620 m (25,000 ft); explosive rapid decompressions from 2,438.4 m (8,000 ft) to 7,620 m (25,000 ft); and 4-h flights at 3,048 m (10,000 ft). Flights aboard transport aircraft typically had cabin pressures equivalent to 1,524-2,438.4 m (5,000-8,000 ft), and ranged in duration from 3 to 10 h. For subjects wearing rigid gas-permeable lenses, central bubbles were detected in 2 of 10 eyes and occurred at altitudes greater than 6,096 m (20,000 ft). With soft contact lenses, bubble formation was detected in approximately 24% (22 of 92 eyes) of the eyes tested, sometimes occurring at altitudes as low as 1,828.8 m (6,000 ft). Soft lens bubbles were always located at the limbus and were without sequela to vision or corneal epithelial integrity. Bubbles under the rigid lenses were primarily central, with potential adverse effects on vision and the corneal epithelium.
过去人们对航空领域佩戴隐形眼镜的一个担忧是害怕在隐形眼镜下方形成气泡。先前的报告记录了硬性（聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯）镜片出现气泡的情况。本文报告了软性亲水镜片和硬性透气镜片的隐形眼镜气泡研究结果。测试在低压舱和美国空军运输机上进行。低压舱飞行有三种类型：高达7620米（25000英尺）的高空飞行；从2438.4米（8000英尺）到7620米（25000英尺）的爆炸性快速减压；以及在3048米（10000英尺）高度的4小时飞行。运输机上的飞行通常机舱压力相当于1524 - 2438.4米（5000 - 8000英尺），持续时间为3至10小时。对于佩戴硬性透气镜片的受试者，在10只眼睛中有2只检测到中央气泡，且出现在高于6096米（20000英尺）的高度。佩戴软性隐形眼镜时，在大约24%（92只眼睛中的22只）受测眼睛中检测到气泡形成，有时在低至1828.8米（6000英尺）的高度就会出现。软性镜片气泡总是位于角膜缘，对视力或角膜上皮完整性没有后遗症。硬性镜片下方的气泡主要在中央，对视力和角膜上皮有潜在不良影响。
