1. I have good vision in only one eye can I be a pilot?
   
   It is possible to receive a Class I, II, or III medical certificate with useful vision in only one eye. The condition for loss of the eye must be documented by a vision specialist and the vision of the good eye must meet the established visual acuity criteria. There is typically a six month adjustment period for recent onset monocular vision while the person shifts his/her priority from measuring distance judgements from stereopsis (3-D vision) to monocular depth perception.
   
   
2. I am color blind can I get a medical to fly?
   
   Newly revised standards specify that applicants for all classes of medical certification be able to "..perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.." If the airman doesn't pass the color test given by the AME, there are two options:
   • Have an FAA approved alternative test administered by an eye specialist
   • Seek a "waiver"
   
   
   
3. I have recently been diagnosed with Glaucoma, will I loose my medical? Will I go blind?
   
   Glaucoma can be managed and treated by FAA approved drugs. it does require regular follow-up and documentation by an eye care professional, however, early diagnosis and treatment generally leads to good visual prognosis and no threat to retaining the medical certificate.
   
   
4. What is the best color of sunglass tint?
   
   Good old standard "neutral gray" similar to what the military supplies aircrew. There should be no polaroid or graded density (graded density has been documented to create an "artificial horizon" in marginal VFR and pilots should be aware of this potential illusion).
   
   
5. Should pilot's have laser surgery to correct their vision?
   
   Laser photrefractive surgery has been approved by the FAA. There is a requirement that the eye care specialist document visual acuity that conforms with FAA standards, there is no disability from glare, and that the cornea is healed and sufficiently stable. This is at the discretion of the eye care specialist but the guidelines suggest 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
   
   
6. I am 40 years old and find that I am having trouble seeing the approach plates - especially at night. What can I do to correct this problem?
   
   This is a straight forward problem of "presbyopia" (aging vision) and is simply resolved with the appropriate optical correction that may be provided by an eye care specialist.
   
   
7. What is ARM? Does it have anything to do with cataracts?
   
   Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a blinding eye disease that effects the central seeing portion of the retina (i.e. the macula). It is encountered in approximately 20% of the general population over the age of 60. There is some literature that supports the use of "antioxidant vitamins" in the management of the condition. Cataracts are opacities in the lens of the eye (structure behind the color part - iris) that are typically removed and replaced with an artificial plastic lens. The surgery is well developed so that it can be handled on an outpatient basis.
   
   
8. Do contact lenses make your vision better?
   
   In some patients - especially very near-sighted - it provides a wider field of view than conventional glasses.
   
   
9. The medical standards refer to "visual acuity" what does it mean and why was it selected as a standard?
   
   Visual acuity is a measure of the eye's ability to resolve detail. It is established on the basis of a given size letter at a 20 foot viewing distance. Therefore, if your vision is 20/40 it means that a person with 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet what you have to walk up to 20 feet to see. It was selected as a standard because it is a widely used clinical standard.
   
   
10. What does the "phoria" test measure on the physical? Does it change? Can it effect my performance as a pilot?
    
    "Phoria" is the position that the eye takes when it is covered solely on the basis of the pull of the six external muscles - if the muscles to the lateral side pull the eye out it is called "exophoria" if the inside muscles pull the eyes toward the nose it is "esophoria". As we age the muscles tend to loose tone and the eyes turn more "exophoric" so it is good to have the ability to cross your eyes when you are young because it builds a reserve for the future...eyes do not "stick" when they are crossed voluntarily.