Yes, pilots can wear glasses or contact lenses as long as they meet the vision requirements set by aviation authorities like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the United States, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). The key is that the pilot must have 20/20 vision (or corrected to 20/20) in order to meet the medical standards for certification, and they must be able to see clearly to operate the aircraft safely.
Here are the details regarding vision and the use of corrective lenses for pilots:
1. Vision Standards for Pilots
- 20/20 Vision: Pilots must have at least 20/20 vision (or corrected to 20/20) in each eye. This means they must be able to see clearly at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 20 feet.
- Corrective Lenses: If a pilot does not naturally have 20/20 vision, they can use glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision to meet the standard. Pilots who wear corrective lenses must always have a backup pair with them during flight, and they must be prepared to meet the 20/20 vision requirement with their corrective lenses.
2. Glasses
- Allowable for Pilots: Pilots who wear glasses to correct their vision can still obtain and maintain their medical certification, as long as their vision meets the required standards.
- Requirements:
- Prescription Glasses: The glasses must provide adequate correction to meet the vision standard (20/20 in each eye).
- Backup Glasses: Pilots who wear glasses must carry a spare pair of glasses while flying to ensure they can continue flying safely if their primary glasses are damaged or lost.
- Eye Exam: The pilot must pass a routine eye exam to confirm that their vision with glasses meets the required standards.
3. Contact Lenses
- Allowable for Pilots: Pilots are allowed to wear contact lenses as an alternative to glasses, as long as they meet the same vision standards (20/20 corrected vision).
- Requirements:
- Proper Vision Correction: Contact lenses must correct the pilot’s vision to meet the required standard (20/20).
- Backup Glasses: While wearing contact lenses, pilots must carry a pair of prescription glasses with them as a backup. This ensures that if the contacts become uncomfortable, dry, or cause vision issues during the flight, the pilot has a reliable alternative.
- Regular Eye Exams: Pilots who wear contact lenses must undergo regular eye exams to ensure their vision remains within acceptable limits and that the contact lenses are in good condition.
4. Medical Certification and Vision Testing
- Aviation Medical Exam: Pilots must undergo a medical exam by an FAA or EASA certified aviation medical examiner (AME) to ensure they meet the vision standards for their specific class of medical certificate (first, second, or third class).
- Uncorrected Vision: If a pilot has uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without correction), they are generally eligible for a medical certificate. If their vision is worse than this, they must use corrective lenses to meet the standard.
- Color Vision: Pilots must also be able to distinguish colors, as this is important for reading instrument displays, identifying warning lights, and recognizing signals from air traffic control. If a pilot has color blindness, it may be disqualifying unless they meet specific criteria for testing or correction.
5. Important Considerations
- Eye Health: Pilots with certain eye conditions or eye diseases (such as cataracts or severe glaucoma) may be disqualified from becoming pilots or may need to provide additional medical documentation showing that the condition is under control.
- Corrective Surgery: Pilots who have had corrective eye surgery (such as LASIK) may also be eligible for certification, but they must meet specific criteria and often must wait a certain period after surgery before undergoing their medical examination. LASIK or other eye surgeries generally require post-surgery evaluations to ensure that vision has stabilized and meets the required standards.
Conclusion
Pilots are allowed to wear glasses or contact lenses, as long as their vision meets the required standards (20/20 vision in each eye or corrected to 20/20). They must have backup glasses if they wear contacts and undergo regular vision checks as part of their medical certification. This flexibility ensures that pilots who need vision correction can still operate aircraft safely, provided they meet the required medical and safety standards.