Can You Be a Pilot with Glasses?

Quick answer — Yes, pilots can wear glasses and fly

You do not need perfect eyesight to become a pilot. According to the FAA, pilots are required to meet specific vision standards, but they can fully rely on glasses or contact lenses to do so. That means if your vision is correctable to the required levels, you can still fly — whether you're aiming to be a private pilot, a commercial pilot, or even considering a military pilot path.

There is no rule that disqualifies a pilot with glasses. In fact, many pilots wear corrective lenses throughout their entire careers. What matters is that your visual performance with correction meets the FAA’s criteria — not whether you were born with 20/20 vision.

Whether you want to fly recreationally or turn your passion into a profession, your glasses won’t stand in the way of your aviation dreams.

Read how to become a commercial airline pilot in the USA

FAA medical and vision requirements

Vision requirements for pilots

To fly legally in the United States, every pilot must hold a valid FAA medical certificate. The type of certificate you need depends on the type of pilot you plan to become — private, commercial, or airline transport. Each class has its own vision requirements, but all allow the use of glasses or contact lenses if your eyesight is correctable.

Vision standards by certificate class

 

• First Class (Airline pilots): distant visual acuity must be 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without correction. Near vision must be 20/40 or better.
  
  
• Second Class (Commercial pilots): same as First Class for distant and near vision.
  
  
• Third Class (Private Pilots): allows more flexibility, but still requires 20/40 vision near and far, with or without correction.

These standards apply to both eyes individually and together. Additional tests may include color vision, peripheral awareness, and depth perception.

FAA-approved corrections: glasses and contact lenses

The FAA permits a range of vision aids, including prescription glasses and contact lenses. Pilots who wear them may be issued a medical certificate with the limitation: "must wear corrective lenses" while exercising the privileges of their license.

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Allowed glasses, contacts, and eye surgeries

Astigmatism and bifocals

If you have astigmatism, bifocals, or use prescription lenses, you're not alone — many pilots fly with similar conditions. The FAA allows these as long as your corrected vision meets the required standards. Modern lens designs, including progressive and toric types, are acceptable.

LASIK/PRK — what FAA allows

Pilots who’ve undergone LASIK or PRK are eligible to fly once their vision has stabilized and no complications interfere with flight duties. There's no permanent restriction, but you may need additional documentation during your next aviation medical examiner evaluation.

Prohibited lenses

The FAA does not allow monovision correction (one eye for distance, one for near) for pilots. This setup reduces depth perception and is not compatible with cockpit demands. Contact lenses or glasses that offer full-field correction are preferred.

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Common vision myths debunked

“You must have 20/20 uncorrected” — false

A widespread myth is that a pilot must be able to see perfectly without correction. In reality, what matters is correctable vision. You can wear glasses or contact lenses and still meet FAA standards, as long as your vision reaches the required thresholds.

“Wearing glasses will hinder your career” — also false

Some worry that wearing glasses might limit job options, especially in commercial or military aviation. However, FAA and many global aviation authorities allow full certification as long as visual performance is adequate with correction. Wearing glasses will not hinder your future in the world of aviation.

Many pilots wear glasses throughout their careers

Thousands of licensed pilots — from student aviators to captains — rely on vision correction. Pilots wear glasses in airliners, jets, and helicopters without issue. This includes those with bifocals, astigmatism, and age-related vision changes.

Vision to be a pilot vs. Hollywood myths

Your vision to be a pilot doesn’t need to match what movies portray. FAA standards are medically specific and designed for safety — not cinematic perfection.

Final word — We’ll help you fly with confidence

Glasses won’t stop your aviation goals

If you’ve been told that wearing glasses or having imperfect sight will hold you back, it’s time to forget that. Today’s FAA standards are built around safe correction, not unrealistic expectations. With the right training and guidance, pilots with glasses are succeeding across all sectors of aviation.

Structured training, FAA compliance, full support

At Pelican Flight School, we specialize in preparing students — with or without corrective eyewear — for careers in commercial and private aviation. From medical evaluations to licensing, our programs are built around real-world standards and expert instruction.

Florida weather, global reach, fast progress

Train under the sun in Florida, fly year-round, and join a diverse group of aspiring aviators from around the globe. If your goal is to become a pilot, we’ll help you get there — glasses and all.

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