Aviation is one of the most sophisticated industries globally, and pilots are at the helm of the industry. They undertake crucial tasks in a vast dynamic environment based on hundreds if not thousands of visual cues. Therefore, the perfect vision of pilots is undeniably a must. With that said, one of the most debated concerns in the aviation industry emerges: can pilots wear glasses?
If you have the same problem, here is a complete guide that should nullify all the gray areas you had!
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 35.3% of teens in the age group of 12-17 wear glasses or contact lenses, which is a significant amount. As aviation is overly concerned about the perfect vision of pilots, many people believe that wearing glasses or contact lenses is not allowed in the aviation industry, especially for pilots. But here is a hard and fast answer, probably a good one for bespectacled souls around the globe, including me: pilots are allowed to wear glasses or contact lenses!
FAA, as the governing body in the United States, and other aviation authorities have set out requirements for a perfect vision.
The aforementioned vision requirements are for the pilots who are willing to fly under class 1 or 2 medical certifications. The intermediate vision requirement is not listed under class 1 medical certification.
Color vision deficiency or color blindness is the difficulty of differentiating between colors. Pilots should possess the ability to perceive colors during their usual aviation duties. Color vision can be tested by an eye care professional or by running a self-test available online. Wearing corrective lenses does not rectify the color vision.
Pilots who wear glasses for distant and near vision are advised to be equipped with a spare set of readily available glasses for immediate use during all kinds of aviation duties.
EASA recommends taking an Ishihara test to verify good vision and take further actions by meeting an eye care professional if the results are found to be unsatisfactory. If a doctor confirms a color vision deficiency, the individual is considered unfit for all flying activities.
The ability to see the world in three dimensions and identify the distance to an object comes with depth perception. People who lack this ability should undergo additional medical checks to prove their conformity to piloting an airplane.
According to the FAA, a person is considered monovision if one eye is not functional or the corrected distance vision of the poor eye is no better than 20/200. In such cases, they are allowed to undergo medical certification of any class but undergo additional checks as prescribed by an eye care professional.
Usage of monocular contact lenses: one contact lens to correct near vision and another to correct distance vision will disqualify and consider a person unfit for duties.
It is no wonder that military pilots have to go through stringent vision requirements before joining the air force. Here are some criteria specified in the U.S. air force:
We are afraid that people with Diplopia are considered unfit for flying.
Sadly, people with impaired binocular vision are considered unfit for flying.
You are considered unfit until your normal vision is regained. Consult an ophthalmologist to ascertain the state of your vision.
Yes, provided that the vision is corrected to the required level.
Polarized glasses block horizontal light while allowing vertical light to diminish glare. This will impair pilots’ vision, especially when looking at LCDs that emit polarized light waves. Additionally, tints that block more than 85% of light are not recommended for aviation use.
Not this question anymore, now you know the answer!
Pilots, either commercial or military, are allowed to wear glasses or contact lenses provided that they meet the standard vision requirements with the corrections. So, if you have got four eyes, do not worry! For the people who have undergone eye surgeries, one extra step has to be taken to verify their competence for the duties.
Pilots · 4 min read
The aviation industry is currently undergoing a challenging period with pilot shortages disrupting normal flight operations. Airlines across the world are preoccupied with the problem and the efforts to contain it. Let’s take a look at the leading causes of the pilot shortage, its effects on the industry and the best solutions to tackle the issue.
