Can Pilots Wear Contacts

The world of aviation is highly regulated, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety of pilots, passengers, and crew members. One aspect of a pilot’s health and well-being that is closely monitored is their vision. Pilots are required to have excellent eyesight, and any vision problems must be corrected to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) standards. But can pilots wear contact lenses? The answer is yes, but with certain restrictions and guidelines.

FAA Requirements for Pilots’ Vision

The FAA has specific requirements for pilots’ vision, which include:

• Distant visual acuity: ²⁰⁄₄₀ or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
• Near visual acuity: ²⁰⁄₄₀ or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
• Intermediate visual acuity: ²⁰⁄₄₀ or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses
• Color vision: The ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of duties
• Field of vision: A minimum of 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye

Pilots who wear corrective lenses, including contact lenses, must meet these visual acuity standards.

Contact Lens Wear in Aviation

Contact lens wear is allowed in aviation, but pilots must ensure that their contact lenses do not interfere with their vision or pose a risk to safety. The FAA recommends that pilots who wear contact lenses follow these guidelines:

• Wear daily disposable contact lenses to minimize the risk of irritation and infection
• Use a contact lens care system that is designed for pilots, which includes a storage case and cleaning solution
• Avoid wearing contact lenses that are not designed for daily wear, as they may cause irritation and discomfort during long flights
• Not wear contact lenses during flights if they experience any discomfort, irritation, or vision problems

Potential Risks and Considerations

While contact lens wear is allowed in aviation, there are potential risks and considerations that pilots should be aware of:

• Dry eye: The dry air in the cockpit can cause dry eye, which can be exacerbated by contact lens wear. Pilots who experience dry eye may need to use artificial tears or adjust their contact lens wear.
• Infection: Contact lens wear can increase the risk of eye infections, particularly if lenses are not properly cleaned and maintained. Pilots who wear contact lenses must follow proper hygiene and maintenance procedures to minimize this risk.
• Vision problems: Contact lens wear can cause vision problems, such as blurred vision or double vision, if the lenses are not properly fitted or if the pilot experiences any eye problems.

Alternatives to Contact Lenses

For pilots who are not comfortable wearing contact lenses or who experience vision problems with contact lens wear, there are alternative options available:

• Glasses: Glasses are a common alternative to contact lenses, and many pilots prefer to wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
• Refractive surgery: Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, can correct vision problems and eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
• Corneal reshaping: Corneal reshaping, also known as orthokeratology, is a non-surgical procedure that can correct vision problems and improve visual acuity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pilots can wear contact lenses, but they must follow the FAA’s guidelines and recommendations to ensure that their contact lens wear does not interfere with their vision or pose a risk to safety. Pilots who wear contact lenses must be aware of the potential risks and considerations, such as dry eye, infection, and vision problems, and take steps to minimize these risks. By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this article, pilots who wear contact lenses can enjoy clear and comfortable vision while flying.

Additional Resources

For more information on contact lens wear in aviation, pilots can consult the following resources:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Medical Guidelines for Pilots
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - Contact Lens Wear and Aviation
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) - Pilot Vision Requirements

By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this article, pilots who wear contact lenses can enjoy clear and comfortable vision while flying, and can ensure that their contact lens wear does not interfere with their vision or pose a risk to safety.