Vision Problems (Starbursts, Halos, etc)

Discuss topics relating to Air Canada.

Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, North Shore, I WAS Birddog

Post Reply
DEDKI5
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:16 am

Vision Problems (Starbursts, Halos, etc)

Post by DEDKI5 »

I just wanted to ask a question I’ve been wondering about for a long time; how common are vision problems as pilots get older? Such as near and far sightedness, and night vision?

I’m still in my early 20s and I see startbursts, halos, and ghosting but can drive just fine at night even in traffic, but with some annoyance (Vision is still corrected to 20/20). I do hold a current TC Class 1 Medical (tested before vision problems), and my optometrist says these are totally common because with age your cornea doesn’t remain as clear as it used to when younger.

Main things I want to know just for my own research:

1. How common would you say these issues are?
2. If you have them, do you think they jeopardize the safety of the individuals in and out of the aircraft, or are they just mild annoyances?
3. What are Air Canada’s policies on these conditions?
4. Are there any steps or precautions you take to mitigate the risks from these conditions?
5. Would it be worth considering LASIK or alternative methods to get rid of those or is sticking with a good prescription the way to go?

Keep in mind I do not fly, just a student that’s incredibly hopeful about flying for Team Red one day, but just doing his due diligence before taking any major steps!

Thanks in advance for your answers folks.
---------- ADS -----------
 
User avatar
schnitzel2k3
Rank (9)
Rank (9)
Posts: 1456
Joined: Sun May 15, 2011 11:17 pm

Re: Vision Problems (Starbursts, Halos, etc)

Post by schnitzel2k3 »

DEDKI5 wrote: Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:38 am
I’m still in my early 20s and I see startbursts, halos, and ghosting...
I'm lucky enough to have great vision, but I can tell you one thing if I saw the above I would be getting my butt to a doctor pronto to verify its nothing serious.

I think migraines can cause some of the above, the ghosting not so much. Highly highly recommend a visit to your family doctor.

S.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Lightchop
Rank 6
Rank 6
Posts: 464
Joined: Mon May 28, 2018 10:03 am

Re: Vision Problems (Starbursts, Halos, etc)

Post by Lightchop »

Provided you meet the corrected requirements which I think is 20/40 as well as the color blindness test you are fine. PRK/Lasik is pretty common in the industry now. Lots of people I know have had it including myself. If you have halos/starbursts it could be that there is an underlying issue. Consider seeing a specialist, if you're out west I can recommend Dr. Lin at Pacific Laser (he is one of the top laser eye surgeons in NA) and I've heard good thinks about Dr. Kirzner at Coal Harbour. They do more than just PRK/Lasik. Worth a free consultation.
---------- ADS -----------
 
DEDKI5
Rank 0
Rank 0
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 7:16 am

Re: Vision Problems (Starbursts, Halos, etc)

Post by DEDKI5 »

Thanks for you input guys! Definitely some good recommendations for me to check out. I was wondering if anyone else might be able to shed some more light on this?
I'd love to hear about any personal experiences or advice.
---------- ADS -----------
 
Post Reply

Return to “Air Canada”