[Aviation and space flight ophthalmology].

So far it has not been possible to adapt man genetically to the specific environmental conditions of flying. A variety of disturbing factors act on the human body and affect its vital as well as sensory functions, vision being considered the most important sense for providing information. The effects of oxygen deficiency caused by increasing altitude, acceleration and centrifugal force affecting visual function, ocular motility, and pupillary reactions are well known. Like visual illusions, vibrations, high accelerative forces, high illuminance and glare at high altitudes impair the visual perception of the environment. In space flight further problems ensue from weightlessness and short-wave radiation. The high medical standards that must be met by the eyes of flying personnel, as will as for air-traffic controllers, result in the enhancement of flight safety. After operations on the cornea or retina or cataract operations in pilote, the retinal findings and DOP must be monitored closely. Special attention must be paid to means of visual aids, corrective lenses, contact lenses, and intraocular lenses. Ophthalmology is a very important element of aviation and aerospace medicine.