CONTACT LENS POLICY for MARINE CORPS CLASS I AVIATORS Dr. Yi-Chang Wu

CONTACT LENS POLICY FOR MARINE CORPS CLASS I AVIATORS Dr. Yi-Chang Wu

R 130005Z OCT 92 CMC WASHINGTON DC

MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC A//

SUBJ/CONTACT LENS POLICY FOR MARINE CORPS CLASS I AVIATORS//

Ref A ACMC 920728 Ref B BUMED LTR DTD 921001 Ref C DOC MED

NARR: 1. Ref A is an ACMC memo to the Surgeon General requesting review of a draft contact lens policy. Ref B is the Surgeon General's reply to ACMC supporting the exception to the physical standard allowing the use of contact lenses by class I aviators defined in the contact lens policy. Ref. C is the Manual of The Medical Department remarks 1. Effectively immediately, the Naval policy on contact lens use by class I aviators is as follows:

A. IAW Refs A and B, contact lens wear is authorized for ametropic aviation designated personnel (Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, Naval Aircrew Members) who are required to use protective eye equipment and other devices which preclude the wearing of spectacles.

(1) This includes helicopter and fixed wing personnel.

(2) Military transport personnel and MEDEVAC personnel not subject to flying within an operational theater are not permitted to utilize contact lenses, unless individually wavered.

(3) Student Naval Aviators are not permitted to use contacts

B. Contact lens wear is recommended for mission use as essential flight equipment. Off duty wearing time should be kept to a minimum to maintain adaptation.

C. Disposable soft contact lenses, utilizing a modified flex-wear schedule in which lenses are removed nightly and replaced weekly will be used as noted below:

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(1) If extended contact lens wear (greater than 24 hours) is an operational requirement, the lenses may be worn for a maximum of 7 consecutive days or 6 consecutive nights, after which the lenses will be discarded.

(2) A minimum 12 hour recovery period, during which the Aircrew does no wear any contact lenses will follow each extended wear period. Flight with spectacles is permitted during this period.

(3) Follow-up examination by the Flight Surgeon is recommended following the first period of extended wear.

(4) Extended wear use is limited to contact lenses approved by the FDA for that purpose.

(5) All Aircrew must be able to read 20/20 (10 out of 10 goodlite letters) with each eye, with contact lenses on the eyes.

D. During flight, all contact lens wearers will carry clear spectacles which correct the Aircrew to all applicable vision standards, in a readily accessible protective case.

E. Military Optometrists or Ophthamologists will make the ultimate determination concerning the Aircrew’s ability to wear contact lenses.

F. The use of contact lenses must be specifically authorized by the flight surgeon on an Aeromedical clearance notice (NAVMED 6410/2).

G. To determine suitability for continuance of contact lens use, all personnel wearing contact lenses shall be examined by eye professionals and/or appropriately trained medical personnel semi- annually.

H. Smoking cessation is recommended for all contact lens wearers to reduce the incidence of serious complications.

I. The flight Surgeon will be trained in the primary treatment of contact lens related problems as well as the importance of prompt referral to eye specialists when necessary. A fleet training program addressing contact lens wear in the aviation community will be disseminated to the Aeromedical safety officers (AMSOS) for the widest possible distribution to the fleet. A pilot program has

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been developed by NAMI/NAMRL which meets the requirements of this training.

J. Contact lenses as discussed here are essentially operational equipment. The cost of materials, including actual lenses, solutions and storage cases shall be the responsibility of the Naval Aviation Unit.

K. Use of contact lenses when not required by operational necessity is strongly discouraged.

L. NAMI ophthalmology (code 23) shall be the point of contact for contact lens related issues:

(1) All initial fittings performed under this program will be reported to NAMI code 23 by the flight surgeon having Aeromedical responsibility for the individuals aviation unit.

(2) All contact lens related complications requiring grounding shall be reported to NAMI code 23 by the flight surgeon having Aeromedical responsibility for the individuals aviation unit.

2. A copy of this message should be made a permanent part of the individual health record to maintain a complete admin. trail of participation in the contact lens program.

3. Until a change is made to Ref. C outlining the Marine Corps exception to the physical standard regarding contact lens use, it is requested that all medical providers retain a copy of this policy for reference in dealing with individuals under this new program.

4. Commanders of aviation units shall ensure that this program is implemented and monitored according to the guidelines contained herein.

5. POC is CDR V.M. Musashe, ASA-2B, DSN 224-2147/1202.