Andreas Lubitz, Germanwings Co-Pilot, May Have Had Vision Problem: Report

The co-pilot who investigators say deliberately downed a Germanwings plane earlier this week, killing all 150 on board, had been examined for vision problems, according to reports.

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The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, quoting unnamed sources, reported Saturday that Andreas Lubitz, 27, sought treatment for vision troubles that may have affected his ability to fly a plane. The reports could not immediately be verified by NBC News.

Searches of Lubitz's home yielded torn-up doctor's notes, including one that excused him from work the day of the crash, prosecutors say. But investigators have not elaborated on whether the illness was mental or physical.

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The reports about Lubitz's eye problems said it was unclear how serious his vision issues were. There has also been speculation that Lubitz was struggling with psychological issues, but that, too, has been unconfirmed.

A Dusseldorf hospital said it saw Lubitz in February and again on March 10. Citing patient confidentiality, the hospital declined to elaborate, but said reports that Lubitz was being treated for depression were inaccurate.

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