According to the vision council, there are roughly 194 million Americans who use some form of corrective device for their eyesight. This is about half of the United States population who does not have “perfect” vision or at least close to it. Does this disqualify them from being a pilot?
A commonly held prenotion of pilots is that they have perfect vision. That they are the alphas in the room when it comes to eyesight. Which would make sense considering how important it is to have the ability to visualize objects in the distance and close items in the cockpit.
What if I told you that that is not necessarily the case? Having perfect vision certainly makes being a pilot easier but those who do not have “perfect’” vision doesn’t necessarily disqualify them just because they do not have 20/20.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has laid out the standards for each medical certification level. Are you someone who is thinking about pursuing a pilot certification, but are unsure because of your eyesight? This article aims to answer some of the most common questions regarding eyesight and being behind the controls of an aircraft.
Summary Of Pilot Vision Requirements
This summarized chart made by the FAA shows the requirements broken down for each medical certificate class. For example when testing your near vision for a second-class certificate, you must have 20/40 in each eye or better with or without correction to be eligible to get your second-class certificate.
Can You Be A Pilot If You Wear Glasses?
Yes, a lot of pilots wear corrective glasses.
According to the FAA, at least 55% of civilian pilots must use some form of refraction correction. The most commonly used form is glasses.
Can Pilots Wear Contact Lenses?
Yes, but only if the corrected vision meets the conditions for the medical certificate required for type of flying.
For example, for a first-class medical certificate required to transport passengers on airliners, the pilot must have 20/20 vision in each eye separately for their distant vision. This vision can be either corrected or uncorrected.
Does Lasik Disqualify You From Becoming A Pilot?
Lasik does not disqualify those who have completed the surgery from being pilots. Regardless of your vision, you are required to have your vision tested. As long as you have met the minimum requirements for each vision test, you will receive the medical certificate that you are pursuing.
Lasik has quickly become a very popular form of vision correction. It is even used in the military for flyers to put it into perspective.
Will Being Color Blind Disqualify Me From Being A Pilot?
According to the FAA, “the ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties”, is required to obtain either a first-class, second-class or third-class medical certificate.
Being able to distinguish between colors is important in the aviation world. This is particularly true for emergency situations and at night.
When performing the color vision screening tests, prospective pilots must pass the individual tests. If you fail you may still pass the vision portion but you will receive limitations and only be able to receive a third-class certificate.
You do have the ability to retest and perform other tests such as the OCVT to demonstrate your ability. Successfully passing additional screens and tests will lift limitations and potentially allow you to get a class 1 or 2 certificate.
Does Glaucoma Disqualify Me From Being A Pilot?
Applicants with primary or secondary narrow-angle glaucoma are normally denied due to the risk of potential issues. This does not mean that if you do have glaucoma that you will not be approved.
If you have had surgery such as iridectomy or iridoclesis 3 months prior to submitting your application, and it is proven that the surgery went satisfactorily, then the chances of approval go up significantly.
An applicant with unilateral or bilateral open-angle glaucoma may be certified by the FAA (with follow-up required) when a current ophthalmological report is favorable.
Individuals who have had filter surgery for their glaucoma can be considered when stable and without complications.
Applicants using miotic or mydriatic eye drops or taking an oral medication for glaucoma may be considered for a Special Issuance certification following their demonstration of adequate control.
What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?
According to the American Optometric Association: 20/20 vision is normal vision acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at a distance. If you have 20/100 vision, you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.
Other Frequently Asked Pilot Vision Questions
Yes, as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the medical certificate that you are pursuing.
Yes, as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the medical certificate that you are pursuing.
Yes, as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the medical certificate that you are pursuing.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article provides what you were seeking out! Even if you do not have the eyesight of a hawk, you potentially still become a pilot. If you have a peculiar situation it is important to talk with your medical professional to discuss options that you may have. Not vision complication is an immediate disqualification, there are options out there.
3 thoughts on “Can I Be A Pilot With Glasses?”
Great content! Keep up the good work!
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