Torn retina in right eye

[big_news_1]

After recently seeing my eye doctor and being referred to a retinal specialist, I was informed I have a torn retina in my right eye. Apparently this does not have any immediate implications for me, but puts me at higher risk than most for retinal detachment at some point in life. It is not affecting my vision in any way, and I still have 20/20 in both eyes when wearing glasses or contacts.

Is this a disqualifying condition? I hold a valid first class medical, but I only exercise third class privileges at this time.

Secondly, the retinal specialist informed me of a laser procedure to help strengthen the weak areas of the retina surrounding the tear. He said it improves the probability of the retina being stable over the long term, but that further tearing or detachment is still possible.

I passed all this information along to my AME, but he was unsure what to think and said he needed to contact the medical certification branch. I expect him to call me later this week, but was hoping you folks could shed some light on the matter.

Thanks.

 

[chrisreedrules]

I'll be following along with this... I have a friend who just experienced retinal detachment and emergency surgery to reattach it and I am curios as to what his chances are of retaining his medical.

 

[ahw01]

I had this a lot earlier in life and surgery which involved lasering corrected it. 10+ years later when it came to medical issuance, I went for a class 3 which was deferred. They then asked for an eye evaluation from an opthalmologist and a medical flight test. That was in 2005. I am about to go for a Class 1 MFT in the coming weeks. It's fairly routine, I don't know how long post surgery they would require for it to be 'stable' though.

Alex.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

The FAA wants to see the ophthalmologist's evaluation. They usually issue a one year special issuance and if things are stable after one year they remove it. It is the same for all classes of medicals.

 

[big_news_1]

I'm working on getting the paperwork from my retinal specialist. On advice from my AME I have stopped flying until I get an official response from the FAA. No more than a bump in the road if all goes well. I'll post more information as it comes.

 

[big_news_1]

It has been over a week since contacting my AME, and still no news. I called his office today, and they said they have contacted the FAA but are still waiting for a reply. Does this sound plausible? I would like to get the ball rolling with this process so I can figure out a future course of action.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

Did the AME mail the records to the FAA or did he call the FAA? If he mailed the records, it may take 6 weeks. I always call on these if the retina specialist has cleared the airman.

 

[big_news_1]

He did not mail the records because I do not have them in hand yet. The retinal specialist verbally told me that I am able to continue flying, however I suppose I should get that in writing so the FAA can verify it.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes, a torn retina is disqualifying. Unfortunately, the ophthalmologist does not have the approval of the Federal air Surgeon to clear you for flight duty even if it makes sense. You need a Special Issuance. The AME can FAX the Form 8500-7 plus the formal visual field test to the FAA then call in 1-2 days and talk to them about your case. Their other option is to call the Regional Flight Surgeon and FAX him the records.

 

[big_news_1]

My AME hasn't even asked for information from the ophthalmologist, which I thought was a little weird. Sounds like he's not in a hurry to help me figure this out. If you wouldn't mind I'll call your office today and make an appointment, Dr. Forred.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

Call me.

 

[big_news_1]

Made an appointment for Thursday. Do I need to do the MedXpress form for this visit?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes, do one so if we need it, it is there. If we do not need it, I will delete it from the file.

 

[big_news_1]

Just want to say BIG thanks to Dr. Forred and his huge amount of help in this matter. I'm now in possession of a new unrestricted 1st Class Medical. He made it very straightforward to submit the proper paperwork, and was extremely fair in his charges for consultation and medical issuance. I'll recommend him to anyone who has aviation medical needs.

Thanks again, doc!

 

[jeflies]

Just want to say BIG thanks to Dr. Forred and his huge amount of help in this matter. I'm now in possession of a new unrestricted 1st Class Medical. He made it very straightforward to submit the proper paperwork, and was extremely fair in his charges for consultation and medical issuance. I'll recommend him to anyone who has aviation medical needs.

Thanks again, doc!

That's awesome!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[yello]

had the same experience with Dr Forred two years ago, unfortunately i could not return to flying, but he is the best help you can have, if you ever have medical problems!!!

 

[SteveC]

Dr. Forred is a HUGE asset in this community!