Can You be a pilot with astigmatism?

Can You be a Pilot with Astigmatism?

Aspiring pilots often wonder if they can fulfill their dream of flying commercial aircraft despite having astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of becoming a pilot with astigmatism and the requirements to meet the necessary standards.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. In a normal eye, the cornea and lens are spherical, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. In an eye with astigmatism, the cornea or lens is more oval or egg-shaped, causing light to focus at two different points, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.

Types of Astigmatism

There are two main types of astigmatism:

• Regular astigmatism: The cornea or lens is more oval, causing light to focus at two different points.
• Irregular astigmatism: The cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, causing light to focus at multiple points.

Can You be a Pilot with Astigmatism?

The answer to this question is a bit more complex than a simple "yes" or "no." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific requirements for visual acuity and visual limitations for pilots.

FAA Visual Acuity Requirements

To become a certified pilot, you must have:

• 20/20 visual acuity in each eye separately and together.
• At least 20/20 visual acuity with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses).

If you have astigmatism, you may be eligible for a waiver if you meet the following conditions:

• 20/100 visual acuity or better in each eye separately and together, with a maximum of 2 diopters of astigmatism.
• Corrective lenses that reduce the astigmatism to 1 diopter or less.

Visual Limitations

Pilots with astigmatism must also meet specific visual limitation requirements:

• Foveal fixation: You must be able to focus on a small point, such as a fixation cross, without distortion or blurry vision.
• Central vision: You must be able to see objects clearly in the center of your visual field.
• Peripheral vision: You must be able to see objects clearly in your peripheral vision.

What to Expect During the FAA Medical Exam

During the FAA medical exam, you’ll be tested for visual acuity, visual limitations, and other vision-related conditions. The exam will include:

• Visual acuity test: You’ll be asked to read an eye chart with corrective lenses, if needed.
• Phoropter test: You’ll be asked to choose between two lenses that correct your vision.
• Autorefractor test: A device that measures the refractive error of your eyes.
• Visual field test: You’ll be asked to cover one eye and look directly at a point on the wall.

Correcting Astigmatism for Pilots

If you have astigmatism, there are several options to correct it:

• Glasses: You can wear glasses with a cylindrical lens to correct astigmatism.
• Contact lenses: You can wear soft or rigid gas permeable contact lenses to correct astigmatism.
• Refractive surgery: You can undergo LASIK or PRK surgery to correct astigmatism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to be a pilot with astigmatism, but you must meet the FAA’s visual acuity and visual limitation requirements. If you have astigmatism, you’ll need to undergo a series of tests during the FAA medical exam to determine your eligibility. With the right corrective lenses or surgery, you can correct your astigmatism and pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.

Table: FAA Visual Acuity Requirements

Summary

• Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• The FAA has specific requirements for visual acuity and visual limitations for pilots.
• Pilots with astigmatism must meet the FAA’s requirements and undergo a series of tests during the medical exam.
• With the right corrective measures, pilots with astigmatism can pursue their career in aviation.