Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Application Process for Medical Certification
Exam Techniques and Criteria for Qualification
Items 31-34. Eye - Contact Lenses
The use of a contact lens in one eye for distant visual acuity (monovision) and another in the other eye for near or intermediate visual acuity is not acceptable for aviation duties. Experience has indicated no significant risk to aviation safety in the use of contact lenses for distant vision correction. As a consequence, no special evaluation is routinely required before the use of contact lenses is authorized, and no SODA is required or issued to a contact lens wearer who meets the standards and has no complications. Designer contact lenses that introduce color (tinted lenses), restrict the field of vision, or significantly diminish transmitted light, are not acceptable.
