Application Process for Medical Certification

Exam Techniques and Criteria for Qualification
Items 31-34. Eye - Refractive Procedures

The FAA accepts the following Food and Drug Administration approved refractive procedures for visual acuity correction:

• Radial Keratotomy (RK)
• Epikeratophakia
• Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), including
  Wavefront-guided LASIK
• SMILE (Small Incisional Lenticular Extraction)
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
• Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)*

Please be advised that these procedures have potential adverse effects that could be incompatible with flying duties, including: corneal scarring or opacities; worsening or variability of vision; and night-glare.

The FAA expects that airmen will not resume airman duties until their treating health care professional determines that their post-operative vision has stabilized, there are no significant adverse effects or complications (such as halos, rings, haze, impaired night vision and glare), the appropriate vision standards are met, and reviewed by an Examiner or AMCD. When this determination is made, the airman should have the treating health care professional document this in the health care record, a copy of which should be forwarded to the AMCD before resumption of airman duties. If the health care professional's determination is favorable, the applicant may resume airman duties, after consultation and review by an Examiner, unless informed otherwise by the FAA.

An applicant treated with a refractive procedure may be issued a medical certificate by the AME as outlined on the Eyes-Refractive Surgery Disposition Table.  There should be no other pathology of the affected eye(s).

If the procedure was done 3 months ago or longer, the FAA may accept the AME's eye evaluation and a statement regarding the absence of adverse sequela.

If the procedure was performed within the last 3 months, the AME should reference the Eyes-Refractive Surgery Status Summary.

*Conductive Keratoplasty (CK): CK is used for correction of farsightedness. As this procedure is not considered permanent and there is expected regression of visual acuity in time, the FAA may grant an Authorization for special issuance of a medical certificate under 14 CFR 67.401 to an applicant who has had CK. 

The FAA evaluates CK procedures on an individual basis following a waiting period of 6 months. The waiting period is required to permit adequate adjustment period for fluctuating visual acuity. The Examiner can facilitate FAA review by obtaining all pre- and post-operative medical records, a Report of Eye Evaluation (FAA Form 8500-7) from a treating or evaluating eye specialist with comment regarding any adverse effects or complications related to the procedure.