Good vision is essential for safe flight, but you don't need perfect uncorrected eyesight to become a pilot. The majority of professional pilots wear some form of vision correction. What matters is that your vision corrects to aviation standards with glasses, contacts, or surgery.
The Reality
Don't let imperfect vision stop you from pursuing flying. Modern aviation medicine accepts glasses, contact lenses, and corrective surgery. Focus on whether your vision corrects to standards, not on your uncorrected acuity.
Vision Standards by Medical Class
EASA Standards
| Parameter | Class 1 | Class 2 | LAPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distant (each eye) | 6/9 (20/30) | 6/9 (20/30) | 6/12 (20/40) |
| Distant (binocular) | 6/6 (20/20) | 6/6 (20/20) | 6/9 (20/30) |
| Near Vision | N5 at 30-50cm | N5 at 30-50cm | N5 at 30-50cm |
| Intermediate (100cm) | N14 | N14 | — |
| Correction Allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Refractive Limits (EASA)
| Condition | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Myopia (nearsightedness) | -6.0 dioptres | Common, easily corrected |
| Hyperopia (farsightedness) | +5.0 dioptres | May need reading glasses earlier |
| Astigmatism | 2.0 dioptres | Correctable with toric lenses |
| Anisometropia | 2.0 dioptres | Difference between eyes |
Exceeding these limits doesn't automatically disqualify you. Cases beyond standard limits may be referred to the licensing authority for individual assessment if corrected vision meets standards and there's no significant pathology.
Flying with Glasses
Glasses are the most common form of vision correction for pilots. They're fully accepted for all medical classes and flight operations.
Requirements
- • Must correct vision to required standards
- • Carry spare pair during all flights
- • Certificate notes "Holder shall wear corrective lenses"
- • Frames should not obstruct peripheral vision
- • Avoid wide side-arms that block field of view
Recommendations
- • Bring current prescription to medical exam
- • Consider glasses with strap for turbulence
- • Polycarbonate lenses for impact resistance
- • Neutral density tint (ND.15) for sunglasses
- • Avoid photochromic lenses (slow transition)
Sunglasses for Pilots
Sunglasses should protect from glare while not impairing visual cues. Recommended: neutral density (gray) tint transmitting at least 15% of light. Avoid tints that distort color perception or affect red signal recognition.
Avoid Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic (transition) lenses are problematic in aviation. They take 5+ minutes to darken and 30+ minutes to fully lighten. This is too slow for sudden light changes during descent into clouds or entering shadows.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are widely accepted for flying. Many pilots prefer them for peripheral vision and comfort under headsets. EASA permits contacts with specific requirements.
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Standard soft lenses | Permitted |
| RGP (rigid gas permeable) | Permitted |
| Toric lenses (astigmatism) | Permitted |
| Multifocal contacts | FAA: Permitted (1-month adaptation). EASA: Case-by-case |
| Monovision contacts | Generally not permitted |
| Colored/tinted lenses | Not permitted |
Monovision (one lens for distance, one for near) impairs binocular depth perception—critical for judging distances during landing. It's generally prohibited for flying.
Always carry backup glasses when flying with contacts. If a lens is lost or becomes uncomfortable, you need an alternative to continue operating safely.
LASIK & Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery has become widely accepted in aviation. Both EASA and FAA permit LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and other procedures after appropriate healing and documentation.
Accepted Procedures
| Procedure | Typical Wait Period |
|---|---|
| LASIK | 2-4 weeks minimum; 3 months for stability |
| PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) | 1-3 months (longer healing) |
| LASEK | 1-3 months |
| ICL (Implantable Lens) | Case-by-case assessment |
| Radial Keratotomy (RK) | Stability must be demonstrated; older procedure |
Requirements for Certification After Surgery
Planning Surgery?
Inform your AME before surgery. Choose an experienced surgeon familiar with aviation requirements. Time surgery during training breaks to avoid medical certificate delays. Consider that some night glare is common post-surgery.
Eye Testing Process
Vision testing at your aviation medical includes several components:
| Test | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Snellen chart (6m/20ft) | Distant visual acuity | Every medical |
| Near vision card | Reading at cockpit distances | Every medical |
| Ishihara plates | Color vision screening | Every medical |
| Refraction measurement | Determine refractive error | If correction worn |
| Comprehensive ophthalmological | Full eye health assessment | Initial, then every 5yr (<40), 2yr (40+) |
Common Vision Conditions
| Condition | Certification Status |
|---|---|
| Myopia (within limits) | Certifiable with correction |
| Hyperopia (within limits) | Certifiable with correction |
| Astigmatism (within limits) | Certifiable with correction |
| Presbyopia (age-related) | Normal; reading glasses permitted |
| Cataracts (post-surgery) | Certifiable after surgery with IOL |
| Glaucoma (controlled) | May be certifiable; needs monitoring |
| Monocular vision (one eye) | May be certifiable with restrictions |
| Severe myopia (>-6.0D) | Referred to authority; case-by-case |
Browse our free aeromedical centers directory to find an AME near you, compare Class 1 prices, and book online.
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AeMC Salzburg (OrthoTeam Salzburg)
Salzburg, Austria
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Brussels, Belgium
Авиомедицински център — София (Aviation Medical Center Sofia)
Sofia, Bulgaria
Zavod za zrakoplovnu medicinu — KB Dubrava (HR.AeMC.01)
Zagreb, Croatia
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