Pilots may use contact lenses to meet the mandated visual acuity standards for their certification. The use of corrective lenses, whether glasses or contacts, is perfectly acceptable as long as the pilot’s vision is corrected to the required standard. This accommodation allows many individuals who do not possess naturally perfect vision to pursue careers in aviation. Regulations focus on ensuring a pilot maintains consistently clear vision across all necessary distances, with specific rules governing the type of lenses and the need for backup corrective measures during flight duty.
Foundational Vision Standards for Pilots
The fundamental requirement for a pilot’s vision centers on achieving specific levels of visual acuity, which can be reached with or without correction. For a First-Class or Second-Class medical certificate, the standard for distant vision is 20/20 or better in each eye separately. This means that the requirement is met as long as contact lenses bring vision up to the 20/20 standard. Near vision must be 20/40 or better in each eye separately, measured at 16 inches. Pilots aged 50 and older who hold a First- or Second-Class medical certificate must also meet an intermediate vision standard of 20/40 or better at 32 inches.
Regulatory Guidelines for Corrective Lenses
Pilots who require corrective lenses must wear them at all times while exercising the privileges of their airman certificate. The medical certificate will include a limitation that specifically states “Must wear corrective lenses.” This limitation applies equally to contact lenses and glasses.
A regulatory consideration involves the need for a spare set of corrective lenses to be readily available during flight operations. While domestic regulations do not strictly mandate a spare pair, international standards require pilots to carry a backup set of spectacles. Many aviation authorities enforce this measure to ensure that a pilot can maintain the required visual acuity if a contact lens is lost or dislodged.
Regulations also impose limitations on certain types of lenses, such as prohibiting the use of monovision contact lenses for aviation duties. Additionally, non-clear lenses, such as tinted or cosmetic colored contact lenses, are generally not permitted because they can impair color perception or night vision.
How Medical Certification Classes Affect Vision Rules
Pilot medical certifications are organized into a tiered system, with vision requirements varying depending on the class of certificate. The highest standards apply to the First-Class certificate, necessary for airline transport pilots, requiring the 20/20 distant vision standard. The Second-Class certificate for commercial pilots shares these same distant and intermediate vision standards.
The Third-Class certificate, typically for private pilots, has a more lenient distant vision standard, requiring 20/40 or better in each eye. Near vision must meet the 20/40 standard for all classes, measured at 16 inches. The color vision standard remains consistent across all three medical classes.
Specific Rules for Refractive Eye Surgery
Pilots who undergo refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), must ensure the outcome meets the vision standards required for their medical certificate class. The primary regulatory concern following surgery is the stabilization of vision and the absence of complications.
After a procedure like LASIK or SMILE, a pilot is generally required to wait at least two weeks before resuming flying duties. The wait time is longer for PRK, typically around 12 weeks, due to the different healing process.
Pilots must have their treating eye professional document that the post-operative condition is stable and free of adverse effects, such as glare or night-vision issues. This documentation must be submitted for review, and the pilot’s medical certificate will be reissued, often without the “Must wear corrective lenses” limitation if uncorrected vision now meets the standard.
Practical Considerations for Wearing Contacts in the Cockpit
While contacts are approved for use, the cockpit environment presents unique challenges for lens wearers. Aircraft cabins maintain very low humidity, which can cause soft contact lenses to dry out and become uncomfortable or dislodged during longer flights. This desiccation can lead to blurred vision and eye irritation.
Pilots should consider using rewetting drops formulated for contact lenses to combat the dry air and maintain lens hydration. High-oxygen-transmission lenses, such as silicone hydrogels, may offer greater comfort due to the low humidity and reduced oxygen at altitude. Having a spare pair of glasses on hand is a practical necessity to quickly address any discomfort or vision issues without compromising flight safety.