Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2016 Apr;26(1):5-7.

The Effects of Necktie on the Intraocular Pressure

• Lim J

Abstract

It was reported that the prevalence of glaucoma in the Republic of Korea was 3.4%. According to a statement from National Health Insurance Service, the number of patient who received glaucoma treatment has been annually increasing by 10%. For now, there have been no reports about the prevalence of glaucoma among airline pilots in Republic of Korea; however, since the age of airline pilots is increasing, it is expected for the prevalence of glaucoma to increase as well. For a long time, the uniform of airline pilots has generally been the western suit with a tie. On the other hand, many reports demonstrated that a tight necktie leaded to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Pasquale conveyed that tight neckties cause a modest elevation of IOP (2 mmHg), and Bain reported an inflation of a sphygmomanometer cuff around the neck to 40 mmHg resulted in a doubling of IOP.Furthermoure, during flight, airline pilots are exposed to conditions detrimental to IOP such as acceleration, low pressure, hypoxia, etc. It takes a long time and a fortune to educate and train an established pilot. Therefore, airline pilots should not wear their necktie tightly to prevent an increase in IOP. Moreover, airlines should consider modifying the pilots' uniform into a more practical one-one without a necktie.

Keyword

Intraocular pressure; Necktie; Airline pilot; Glaucoma; Prevalence