Flying with contacts

[Falconjet]

I was wondering if anybody knows if you are allowed to fly with contacts. I've got a physical coming up and I'm afraid that my time of 20-20 may be just about over. I don't like wearing sunglasses much and I'm sure I won't like having to wear glasses if I end up needing them. Contacts might not be much better but I don't even know if you can wear them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Pilotadjuster]

Eye correction

As far as the FARs go, it says 20-20 correctable in both eyes. I wear contacts to my physicals, but have never gotten a Class I, only a II (never applied).

 

[sydeseet]

Absolutely Yes!!!!!! I've been wearing them my entire flying career. Maybe it's time you saw an Opthamologist to get your options straight.

 

[flywithastick]

Re: Eye correction

As far as the FARs go, it says 20-20 correctable in both eyes. I wear contacts to my physicals, but have never gotten a Class I, only a II (never applied).

FAA doesn't care. Military doesn't like them. Never heard of a commercial operator who cared though. Just bring your glasses as backup.

 

[KingAirer]

If you are going to be a new contact wearer make sure you have a spare pair of specs lying close by, b.c from time to time you can lose one by blinking a certain way. Once you get accustomed its not a problem.

 

[Pilotadjuster]

Contacts

Also--if you can wear soft contacts, DO. I have worn gas-perms for 10 years and am very used to them now, but the adjustment period (soft to gas perm) was pretty tough for the first week or two.

Personally I have never flown without contacts.

 

[wingnutt]

contacts here, but glasses are in flight bag, for that bad blink

 

[Falconjet]

Thanks for the info

Yes, I may have to see the eye doc. We'll see how the Class II goes in a month or so and then I may have to bite the bullet. Thanks for the info. FJ

 

[ArcherB]

Wingnutt,
I love your Avator. How do I get one??

 

[Falconjet]

Avatar

Archer: if you right click your mouse on the nice picture you can then save it as a picture for yourself. Then you can do just about whatever you want with it!

 

[bobbysamd]

Contacts

Sure, why not? I wore soft lenses for my last few years of flying. This was in the bad old days of aviation where waivers (SODAs) were more strict than today. I had to take an extra pair of glasses with me. It was totally stupid - like soft lenses are going to fall out of my eyes.

Your optometrist may have to fill out the FAA Report of Eye Evaluation, Form 8500-7 to make your AME and Oklahoma City happy, so get the form and have him/her prepare it before your next medical. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to print the form.

Hope that helps some more.

 

[Falconjet]

I may be jonesin back to my CG days. I think the CG made pilots wear glasses AND have an extra pair with them. As far as I remember contacts weren't authorized. I may have to get used to wearing one or the other here after my next medical. Thanks for the info.