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 contact lens(es) for monovision correction is not allowed:
- The use of a contact lens in one eye for near vision and in the other eye for distant vision is not acceptable (for example: pilots with myopia plus presbyopia).
- The use of a contact lens in one eye for near vision and the use of no contact lens in the other eye is not acceptable (for example: pilots with presbyopia but no myopia).
Additionally, designer contact lenses that introduce color (tinted lenses), restrict the field of vision, or significantly diminish transmitted light are not allowed.
Please note: the use of binocular contact lenses for distance-correction-only is acceptable. In this instance, no special evaluation or SODA is routinely required for a distance-vision-only contact lens wearer who meets the standard and has no complications. Binocular bifocal or binocular multifocal contact lenses are acceptable under the Protocol for Binocular Multifocal and Accommodating Devices.