Effect of Corneal Refractive Surgery on Accommodative and Binocular Dysfunctions Among Civilian Pilots in Southwest China

Abstract

Background: To analyze whether corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is associated with the distribution of different accommodative dysfunctions (ADs) and binocular dysfunctions (BDs) in civilian pilots. A further aim was to analyze the percentages and visual symptoms associated with ADs and/or BDs in this population.Methods: One hundred and eight civilian pilots who underwent CRS from January 2001 to July 2012 (age range: 23-35 years) and 99 emmetropic civilian pilots (age range: 23-35 years) were included in this study. Visual symptoms, refractive status, accommodative and binocular tests of each subject were performed.Results: No significant difference was observed between the CRS and emmetropic groups in the overall prevalence of ADs and BDs (15.7% and 15.2% in the CRS and emmetropic groups, respectively; P=0.185). ADs were present in 4.63% and 3.03% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively. BDs were observed in 11.1% and 12.1% of the CRS and emmetropic group, respectively, yielding no significant differences between the groups in the prevalence of ADs or BDs (AD: P=0.094; BD: P=0.105). Pilots with ADs and/or BDs had significantly more visual symptoms than pilots with normal binocular vision (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CRS for civilian pilots with low-moderate myopia might not impact binocular functions. ADs and/or BDs commonly occur in both emmetropia pilots and pilots who undergo CRS, and pilots with ADs and/or BDs are associated with increased symptoms. This study confirms the importance of a full assessment of binocular visual functions in detecting and remedying these dysfunctions in this specific population.Trial registration number: ChiCTR1900027235 (date: 6 Nov 2019) Available at www.medresman.org