Disposable contact lens wear with an aviation protective mask

This study addresses the wear of Acuvue (R) disposable contact lenses under an Army aviation protective mask developed for the Apache attack helicopter. This protective mask (the M-43) features constant internal air flow to its lenses to prevent fogging. Twelve subjects wore the mask for 3-hour periods with the filter/blower running, both with and without contact lenses. No significant differences in corneal thickness, contrast sensitivity, or tear breakup times were found. Grade 1 (trace) limbal injection and grade 1 (trace) staining were found to be prevalent when the mask was worn either with or without contact lenses. This study suggests that disposable contact lens wear is compatible with this unique aviation mask. This is significant because the mask is designed to be worn under the pilot's helmet and helmet-mounted displays, rendering it essentially unremovable during the aircraft mission.