What happens when you can't read the big E

[CellPh2]

Hey all,

Usually there is another letter up front which puts a little more guess work into the big E lol. But how many of you (specifically Commercial pilots) have bad uncorrected vision and can't even read 20/200? I know that is the cut off for uncorrected vision...just wondering if this standard has given anyone problems at the doctors office?


Cheers!

[North Shore]

One gets glasses/contacts/laser surgery, a waiver (if needed) from Aviation medicine, and goes on one's merry way...

[yycflyguy]

I've been known to be facing the wrong wall when reciting the eye chart.

[Beefitarian]

A few years ago, I did not hold a medical at the time but my vision was blurry when I was fatigued. I don't know if there was an illness or it was just because I was really tired. I was thinking I was going to need some glasses but it went away. When I renewed my cat 3, it was acceptable and he looked inside my eyes with the scope and said they were good. I highly recommend you see a doctor. If you suspect your vision has a problem.

I would think it makes your medical invalid if you hold one until you get your vision corrected. Glasses and LASIK etc. are all acceptable as a condition for even a class 1 medical.

I don't remember the exact wording but any condition that would impair your ability to safely act as a pilot invalidates your medical certificate. For fairly obvious reasons.

[cgzro]

you can get a waiver for a cat I, your aviation doc can apply.

[teh1pilot]

A few years ago, I did not hold a medical at the time but my vision was blurry when I was fatigued. I don't know if there was an illness or it was just because I was really tired. I was thinking I was going to need some glasses but it went away. When I renewed my cat 3, it was acceptable and he looked inside my eyes with the scope and said they were good. I highly recommend you see a doctor. If you suspect your vision has a problem.

I would think it makes your medical invalid if you hold one until you get your vision corrected. Glasses and LASIK etc. are all acceptable as a condition for even a class 1 medical.

I don't remember the exact wording but any condition that would impair your ability to safely act as a pilot invalidates your medical certificate. For fairly obvious reasons.

+1. I've taken a look into LASEK myself. The risks associated with it far outweigh the benefits. Plus, I don't have to worry about cleaning my lenses, or putting my contacts in in the morning. But what a lot of people don't realize is simple complications with the procedure completely voids your medical. You just spent k's of dollars to have someone completely ruin your career in aviation, and $100,000 worth of training down the toilet. Things like night halo's, which I guess are fairly common, would void your medical. It can be kind of nerving to see fireballs around headlights and street lights for the first few months after the procedure, but whats even more nerving is the fact that you will never know the halo's will disappear until the start to. Sorry, but I'm not willing to take that risk unless they can fix every single problem associated with it.

[CellPh2]

I am quite happy with glasses personally, I was more curious as to how it works if you don't meet the uncorrected standard.

With glasses I am better than 20/20...without...that will be the problem I think eventually lol (and TC website says there is still the need for 20/200 uncorrected) Has anyone gotten a waiver? Does it take long to approve?

[Beefitarian]

I think it is just extra words to tell you, you need to you need to correct.

[jamesel]

Just apply, it is my understanding that the process is automatic, and is pretty well a given as long as your corrected vision is 20/20 or so.
If I'm using only my right eye, I can't make out the big "E" without out glasses. 42 years ago, the wording on my medicals referred to a "waiver" and glasses must be worn, then 15 years later "flexibility was applied" (Class 1F"), now my medical just says "Glasses must be worn".



edited:canut spel

[Liquid Charlie]

Little over 10 years ago my doctor told me my arms are getting too short -- goes with aging I'm told -- -- anyway after struggling to adapt to glasses (took about 3 years to get use to the fact -- a good progressive lens light weight frames (frameless) and about a grand every 2 to 3 years I am now satisfied with having to wear glasses -- still a pain in the ass but tolerable ---

[cgzro]

Has anyone gotten a waiver? Does it take long to approve?

yes - three years ago - it took only a month and I had to submit an opthamologists report.