Keratoconus??
 

Hey folks,

I'm trying to get in contact with pilots that have been diagnosed with this condition, preferably Air Force retired, separated, or guard/reserve guys.

Got rejected from my flight physical because of abnormal topography and they predict there's a possibility I could have this in 10 years...that's a BIG shot in the dark. I've met 2 guys that had the same rejection for the same predicted condition, 5 years later one is flying P8s in the Navy and the other is a captain at Skywest.

This is stopping me from flying C130s and I'm fighting this to the end. I know there's a lot of mil guys who were diagnosed with this and they're doing fine flying in regionals and majors. Help me out because I'd like your story to help mine.

You may want to post a similar question on The Pilot Network on Facebook; that group is majority military guys.

Suggest you PM lbfowlerjrmd, an APC member & FAA Senior AME.

Keratoconus is not disqualifying for the FAA as long as you are correctable to 20/20. Also, to the OP, try as hard as you can to stop rubbing your eyes. ;)

My wife has it. Tried to join the Navy as a nurse with a Bachelors and Masters in nursing plus more than 5 years experience. She wasn’t trying to fly but was medically rejected and denied a waiver. Good luck. If you do end up being diagnosed, get Corneal Crosslinking done ASAP or you’ll end up with some Cornea Transplants down the road.

Thank you! I will message him!

Did you ever resolve this?? Sitting in same boat after my flight physical but I’m still waiting to hear back their decision. The optometrist wrote on my paper: “corneal ectasia, no keratoconus”. But after more research on my part I definitely think it would be keratoconus and not corneal ectasia based off of the commonality of keratoconus. Curious what you did or if they just completely denied you?

KC requires a Special Issuance, terms may differ case by case, but mine requires and annual visit to the eye doctor and her to fill out an FAA 8500-7. My vision is corrected to 20/20.

How long does it normally take the feds to process your medical.
I have been flying offshore and have a start date with a US carrier soon. This will be the first issuance with this condition.
Status shows "in review" with a note that it can take up to 60 business days. I have 15.