Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 31. Eyes - General

Common Conditions and Course of Action

Disease/Condition Class Evaluation Data Disposition
Amblyopia 1

Initial certification
All Provide completed FAA Form 8500-7

Note: applicant should be at best corrected visual acuity before evaluation
If applicant does not correct to standards, DEFER.

Note in Block 60 along with which FSDO the airman wants to use to take a MFT.

Congenital or acquired conditions (whether acute or chronic), of either eye or adnexa that may interfere with visual functions, may progress to that degree, or may be aggravated by flying (tumors and ptosis obscuring the pupil, acute inflammatory disease of the eyes and lids, cataracts, or keratoconus.) All Provide completed FAA Form 8500-7 Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report

For keratoconus, include if available results of imaging studies such as kertatometry, videokeratography, etc., with clinical correlation

Note: applicant should be at best corrected visual acuity before evaluation
Requires FAA Decision
Any ophthalmic pathology reflecting a serious systemic disease (e.g., diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy) All Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report. (If applicable, see Diabetes and Hypertensive Protocols) Requires FAA Decision
Diplopia All If applicant provides written evidence that the FAA has previously considered and determined that this condition is not adverse to flight safety. A MFT may be requested. Contact RFS for approval to Issue

Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision
Pterygium All Document findings in Item 60 If less than 50% of the cornea and not effecting central vision - Issue

Otherwise - Requires FAA Decision

1 In amblyopia ex anopsia, the visual acuity of one eye is decreased without presence of organic eye disease, usually because of strabismus or anisometropia in childhood.

Last updated: Thursday, January 7, 2021