Current visual fatigue among military pilots
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854-20250107-00004
- VernacularTitle:军事飞行员视疲劳现状调查
- Author:
Zeyu LI
1
;
Guoheng ZHANG
;
Shaoheng LI
;
Tao CHEN
;
Ziyang LUO
;
Guorui DOU
Author Information
1. 空军军医大学第一附属医院眼科，西安 710032
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Asthenopia;
Vision tests;
Surveys and questionnaires;
Pilots
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2025;36(3):175-181
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the incidence of visual fatigue among military pilots during flights or simulated flights and analyze the correlations among the multidimensional evaluation indicators of visual fatigue.Methods:A total of 172 pilots from an Air Force unit were selected between March 2022 and August 2023. A self-made pilot visual fatigue scale [involving the basic information, visual fatigue status scale (VFSS), and visual quality scale (VQS) was used. The visual fatigue among pilots of different types was compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations between the cumulative duration of visual display terminal (VDT) and the dimensions of the VFSS, as well as between dimensions of the VFSS and the VQS. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the determinants of the score of the VQS.Results:A total of 172 questionnaires were issued, 146 of which were valid, with an effective rate of 84.88%. Among the 146 military pilots, 73 were fighter pilots and 73 were pilots of other aircraft types (20 bombers, 5 helicopters, 36 transporters, 8 trainers, and 4 fighter-bombers). There were significant differences in the scores of various dimensions and the total score of the VFSS between pilots who were different in age, aircraft types, maximum single-sortie flight durations, and in the proportion of time spent viewing cockpit displays during flight missions ( F=4.93-14.41, t=2.37-4.86, all P<0.01 or <0.05). Significant differences in visual disturbance, systemic symptoms, environmental factors, and the total visual fatigue score were observed between pilots whose total flying hours were different ( F=14.18, 4.90, 4.66, 8.12, P<0.001, =0.009,0.011, <0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the scores of any dimension or in the total score of the VFSS between pilots with a history of ocular trauma or disease and those without (all P>0.05). The cumulative duration of VDT use was positively correlated with the scores of all dimensions and the total score of the VFSS ( r=0.353, 0.303, 0.312, 0.250, 0.356, P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, =0.002, <0.001), the dimensions of which were positively correlated with those of the VQS ( r=0.448-0.781, all P<0.01). Age ( B=1.524, 95% CI: 0.503-2.545), proportions of time spent viewing cockpit displays during flight missions ( B=3.721, 95% CI: 1.683-5.759), starburst ( B=2.346, 95% CI: 0.516-4.176), blurred vision ( B=3.517, 95% CI: 1.168-5.866), visual fluctuation ( B=2.997, 95% CI: 1.036-4.957) and halo ( B=2.415, 95% CI: 0.469-4.362) were contributors to the total visual fatigue score. Conclusions:The scores of various dimensions and the total score of visual fatigue status in military pilots can increase with age, peak in the group ages 40 to 49, and then decline. Fighter pilots experience lower levels of visual fatigue than those of other aircraft types. The visual quality scale can serve as a reference for assessing pilots′ visual fatigue status. Cumulative durations of VDT use are positively correlated with the degree of visual fatigue. Age, proportions of time spent viewing cockpit displays during flight missions, starburst, blurred vision, visual fluctuation and halo can be used to quickly assess the risk level of visual fatigue among pilots.
