Commercial Pilot Vision Rules. Glasses, Correction

When people ask if they need “perfect vision” to become a pilot, they’re usually wondering whether uncorrected 20/20 eyesight is mandatory. The truth is far less intimidating: you don’t need flawless vision — you just need to meet the FAA’s medical standards, and you can absolutely do that with glasses, contacts, or even after corrective surgery.

What 20/20 Actually Means

Having 20/20 vision refers to your ability to clearly see details at 20 feet, not to having “perfect” eyesight. Many people meet this standard with prescription lenses, and the FAA accepts that. If you’re pursuing any pilot certificate — from private to commercial — you’ll undergo a vision exam as part of your medical certification.

Here’s what the FAA typically requires:

• Distance vision (each eye): 20/20 or better (with correction allowed)
• Near vision (16 inches): 20/40 or better
• Intermediate vision (for those 50+): 20/40 or better

The key point is that your eyesight doesn’t have to be naturally perfect. It just needs to be correctable to these levels.

Standard Vision vs. Natural Perfection

The FAA isn’t testing for superhuman eyesight — only for safe, functional vision. Many pilots have conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or mild astigmatism. Even age-related changes don’t disqualify you. As long as your sight can be corrected to meet the standard, you’re eligible to fly.

Vision Requirements by Medical Class

 FAA medical certificates fall into three classes, each with slightly different standards:

• First Class (ATP): 20/20 distance, 20/40 near and intermediate
• Second Class: 20/20 distance, 20/40 near and intermediate
• Third Class: 20/40 for all three distances

In all cases, prescription correction is allowed. If you need glasses or contacts to meet these standards, you’ll be required to wear them during flight and keep a spare pair in the cockpit.

Color Perception and Why It Matters

Pilots must also demonstrate adequate color vision to read cockpit displays and runway lights. If you don’t pass the initial color test, you may still qualify by taking an Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT).

What If Your Eyesight Isn’t Perfect?

Most people who wear glasses or contacts still qualify for pilot training and certification. The FAA cares about whether your corrected vision allows you to perform flight duties safely. Common conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism rarely pose a problem if they’re correctable.

In rare cases — such as progressive eye diseases, complications from surgery, or vision that doesn’t improve with correction — the FAA may require additional medical evaluation or issue a special issuance, a temporary certificate while your case is reviewed.

Vision Can Change - And That’s Normal

Eyesight often shifts over time, especially with age. Regular FAA medical exams ensure your vision stays within acceptable limits. If your prescription changes, you’ll simply update your lenses and continue flying. Most pilots never face career interruptions because of normal age-related vision changes.

Corrective Lenses, Contacts, and LASIK

Corrective eyewear isn’t just allowed — it’s common. Many pilots rely on glasses or contacts from day one of training. The FAA does require you to wear them every time you fly and to keep a backup pair in the cockpit.

Contacts are also permitted and often preferred because they reduce glare and offer a wider field of view. The only restriction is that monovision correction (one eye for near vision, one for distance) isn’t allowed.

Laser eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK are also accepted, provided your vision stabilizes and meets FAA standards afterward. You may need to wait briefly before returning to flying, but once cleared by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), you’re good to go.

Civilian vs. Military Vision Requirements

A lot of the myths about needing “perfect eyes” come from military aviation, which has far stricter requirements. For example, uncorrected vision problems can disqualify candidates for fast-jet roles, and some surgeries are disqualifying. Civilian aviation, on the other hand, is much more flexible. As long as your vision can be corrected to 20/20 for distance and 20/40 for near and intermediate, you can pursue a full professional pilot career.

What If Vision Changes During Your Career?

Even after certification, pilots undergo regular medical exams. If your eyesight temporarily falls below FAA standards, you might receive a deferral until you provide updated information — such as a new prescription or medical documentation. Most pilots simply update their eyewear and continue flying without interruption.

Aging Eyes Are Expected

After age 40, near vision often declines, and by 50, intermediate vision becomes part of the medical exam. This is why bifocals and progressive lenses are common in the cockpit — and they’re perfectly acceptable.

The Bottom Line

Your eyesight doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be correctable. The FAA’s approach is practical: they want pilots who can see safely and clearly, not those with naturally flawless vision. Glasses, contacts, and corrective surgery are all compatible with a flying career. Even if your vision changes over time, regular checkups and updated prescriptions will usually keep you qualified.

Your dream of flying isn’t defined by your eyesight. It’s defined by your determination, training, and commitment. If you meet FAA standards — and most people do — your vision won’t stand in your way.

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