Bi-focal contacts

[skyguy40]

I am just starting to wear glasses that have bi-focals but I don't like them. Is anyone wearing or know someone who is wearing the bi-focal contact lenses and flying 121? Just wondering if they would be an option.

 

[propilot]

Most of the guys that I know that wear contacts, just get reading glasses to wear with their contacts...

 

[begsby]

I heard bifocal contacts are not allowed. Call your ame.

 

[rettofly]

Bifocal contacts are atill a no-no as of last November. My AME still asks me every time I go whether I wear them.

I finally gave up on contacts when I reached the point where I was wearing cheaters 90% of the time and switched to no-line multifocal specs.

 

[Kingairrick]

Do you guy not have Google?
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...am/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/binocular/


Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
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Decision Considerations
Disease Protocols - Binocular Multifocal and Accommodating Devices
This Protocol establishes the authority for the Examiner to issue an airman medical certificate to binocular applicants using multifocal or accommodating ophthalmic devices.

Devices acceptable for aviation-related duties must be FDA approved and include:
Intraocular Lenses (multifocal or accommodating intraocular lens implants)
Bifocal/Multifocal contact lenses

Examiners may issue as outlined below:
Adaptation period before certification:
Surgical lens implantation - minimum of 3 months post-operative
Contact lenses (bifocal or multifocal) – minimum of one month of use
Must provide a report to include the FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation, from the operating surgeon or the treating eye specialist. This report must attest to stable visual acuity and refractive error, absence of significant side effects/complications, need of medications, and freedom from any glare, flares or other visual phenomena that could affect visual performance and impact aviation safety
The following visual standards, as required for each class, must be met for each eye:

Distant:
First- and Second-Class
20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction

Third-Class
20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction

Near:
All Classes
20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches

Intermediate:
First- and Second-Class
20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches

Third-Class
No requirement

 

[skyguy40]

Just an update for you guys. They are allowed as King points out. I have had them a year now. They are pretty close to greatt. I call it a 20/happy. I feel like I'm in my twenties again. My are good for a month so twelve pair a year. Glasses are are close by and I wear them 5% of the time. I think mine are called....AirOptics.
Good luck guys.