Vision disorder

[Sebastian]

I have been diagnosed with Keratoconus and I was wondering what would be my best options for treatment. Currently I wear RGP lenses which give me 20/20 vision in both eyes. The only problem I have is with my left eye which could get strenuous when it comes time to read the 20/20 line. I had my last exam done a little bit over 3 months and I passed but I did have trouble reading the 20/20 line with my left eye, but after a few attempts I was able to pull it off. With that said, I am looking into getting a procedure done called Intacs. I would like to know if any AME has experience with this and know of any commercial pilots that have had this done to treat their Keratoconus and how they are doing.

[My Flight Surgeon]

For the general information of others, most people with keratoconus have midl forms and can be managed with the gas permeable contact lenses without ever requiring surgery. Keratoconus is a condition where the anterior surface of the eye becomes cone shaped which distorts vision. The cause is unknown.

What you are looking at is a treatment stage between the gas permeable contact lenses youa re now using and corneal transplant surgery. The Intacs procedure is now FDA approved and as such would probably be looked on favorably by the FAA. (They rarely approve any experimental procedure) I have never seen a pilot who had this done. I might suggest you contact your Regional Flight Surgeon ( http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certific...ification/rfs/ ) and inquire as to the FAA's experience with Intac. He will know. As always with eye procedures, the opthalmologist will either have to write a letter for you or complete the FAA Form 8500-7 http://forms.faa.gov/forms/faa8500-7.pdf

Good luck!