Droopy Eye Lids

[OregonTrail]

So almost exactly 24 months after I had my first medical exam/student pilot license, i got a letter in mail (special issuance medical certificate) The condition was ptosis, more commonly know as droopy eye lids. i have alywas had droopy eyelids and 20/20 vision. Durring my inital medical exam he asked me a couple questions about my eyes, and it didn't seem to be that big of a deal and i didnt see him note it on the form. and there were no restrictions or limitations on my medical. Now what it said on the SIMC letter was that i have to get an eye exam and a new medical every year by april 30th. (Medical not valid after april 30th for any class) So the eye doctor filled out the FAA eye exam form, noted that this "problem" will never get any worse and it will not affect my vision.

My questions are,

1. why after 2 years of perfect health would they suspend my medical

2. why is there a limitation on it when the eye doctor noted it will never affect my vision.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

I have no idea why. Was there some interference with your vision?

 

[OregonTrail]

I have no idea why. Was there some interference with your vision?

No not at all. i hadent been to a single doctor ore talked to my examiner since my first medical exam, until i got the letter. As well as a normal eye test at the eye doctor i also did a peripheral vision test and scored 200 out of 200 on each eye. This whole thing just came out of the blue and i have never been diagnosed for it. its a pain in the rear...

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

I have no idea why they did it.

 

[gliderboy]

Lack of exercise? Your facial muscles respond to exercise just like any other muscles. There are books about this (and information on line), most of which are concerned with improving one's appearance. However, there are facial exercises for the eyelids which will keep your upper eyelids open more. Essentially, the 'workout' for the eyelids involves squinting and then holding the eyes open as far as possible (but without wrinkling the forehead too much. Since most people have never consciously exercised their faces, their muscles are very weak, and it takes a few days of regular workouts (15 min. twice a day) to notice a difference. I do mine when driving or stuck in traffic. However, for the diligent, the results can be quite noticeable (much in the same way your physique responds to regular workouts). You can take literally years off your appearance.
Gravity is always exerting a sagging influence on our faces and bodies and exercise can help forestall its effects.

 

[OregonTrail]

Lack of exercise? Your facial muscles respond to exercise just like any other muscles. There are books about this (and information on line), most of which are concerned with improving one's appearance. However, there are facial exercises for the eyelids which will keep your upper eyelids open more. Essentially, the 'workout' for the eyelids involves squinting and then holding the eyes open as far as possible (but without wrinkling the forehead too much. Since most people have never consciously exercised their faces, their muscles are very weak, and it takes a few days of regular workouts (15 min. twice a day) to notice a difference. I do mine when driving or stuck in traffic. However, for the diligent, the results can be quite noticeable (much in the same way your physique responds to regular workouts). You can take literally years off your appearance.
Gravity is always exerting a sagging influence on our faces and bodies and exercise can help forestall its effects.

thanks for the tip, but i am 22 years old so i doupt that is the issue. i dont have any wrinkles and my face seems to work fine.

 

[OregonTrail]

Another question i had is should i just let this thing go on for a while, or should i try to get a SODA or will that even help?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

It sounds like they gave you a Special Issuance. For medical conditions, there are 2 routes they can take, one is a SODA or statement of demonstrated ability and the other is a Special Issuance which is the equivalent of a waiver. Which one they select to issue depends on the condition and the regulations. As long as you can fly, don't rock the boat.

 

[OregonTrail]

It sounds like they gave you a Special Issuance. For medical conditions, there are 2 routes they can take, one is a SODA or statement of demonstrated ability and the other is a Special Issuance which is the equivalent of a waiver. Which one they select to issue depends on the condition and the regulations. As long as you can fly, don't rock the boat.

correct, i got a special issuance, and i have come to realize that getting my eyes checked once a year and a medical once a year is not that big of a deal. it was just the fact that i got it at the worst financial time possible when i was checking the couch for pennies so i could take my cfi checkride and in between jobs. thanks for the help, ill probably just ride it out for a few years and if its still a pain i might try getting it waived or a soda