A comprehensive reference for all FAA vision requirements — acuity, near, intermediate, color, and fields — organized by certificate class. Know exactly what the FAA measures and what it means for your medical.
Informational Use Only. The information on this page reflects our understanding of current FAA medical certification requirements and is provided for general educational purposes only. FAA policies and the AME Guide are updated frequently. The FAA AME Guide and 14 CFR Part 67 are the authoritative sources in all cases. Always verify with your AME and at faa.gov/ame_guide.
All standards apply with or without corrective lenses. The FAA tests each eye separately as well as both together.
| Vision Test | 1st Class Airline Transport Pilot | 2nd Class Commercial Pilot | 3rd Class Private Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 20/20 or better in each eye separately | 20/20 or better in each eye separately | 20/40 or better in each eye separately |
| Near Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye separately at 16 inches | 20/40 or better in each eye separately at 16 inches | 20/40 or better in each eye separately at 16 inches |
| Intermediate Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye at 32 inches (age 50+) | 20/40 or better in each eye at 32 inches (age 50+) | No requirement |
| Color Vision | Ability to perceive colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties | Same as 1st class | Same as 1st class |
| Visual Fields | Normal fields (confrontation testing — all 4 quadrants) | Normal fields | No acute/chronic pathological condition that interferes with safe performance |
Understanding what the FAA measures — and why — helps you prepare and anticipate any issues before your exam.
FAA vision standards are expressed in Snellen equivalents (e.g., 20/20, 20/40). 20/20 means you see at 20 feet what a normal eye sees at 20 feet. 20/40 means you need to be at 20 feet to see what a normal eye sees at 40 feet. Standards allow correction — glasses or contacts.
All FAA visual acuity tests apply to each eye tested individually (monocularly) AND both eyes together (binocularly). You cannot compensate for one poor eye with a good fellow eye under the FAA standards. Each eye must independently meet the standard.
Pilots who require correction (glasses or contacts) to meet standards must wear their correction while exercising their certificate. Contact lenses are permitted. Many AMEs recommend carrying a backup pair of glasses in the cockpit as a practical safety measure.
Presbyopia — age-related loss of near focus — is why the FAA added an intermediate vision standard for first- and second-class applicants age 50 or older. The 32-inch distance approximates the distance from a pilot's eyes to cockpit instruments, making this standard particularly relevant for reading gauges.
New screening uses FAA-approved CAD, RCCT or Waggoner CCVT testing. Applicants may take any or all approved tests, including repeat attempts, in person at the AME office or another verified facility. A documented prior screening pass remains distinct from a third-class SODA/LOE: upgrading that SODA/LOE to first or second class requires approved computerized testing. If the standard is not met, third-class issuance may be possible, if otherwise qualified, with limitation 104: 'Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only.'
Confrontation visual field testing (finger counting in all four quadrants) is performed at every FAA medical exam. Abnormal fields — from glaucoma, retinal disease, optic nerve pathology, or prior stroke — require further evaluation. Significant field loss may be disqualifying or require Special Issuance depending on the degree and cause.
A quick reference for how specific eye conditions are typically handled in FAA medical certification.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Correctable to standard with glasses or contacts — no special action needed
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Correctable to standard — no special action needed if acuity meets standard
Presbyopia
Correctable with reading glasses or progressive lenses — first- and second-class applicants age 50+ must meet the 20/40-in-each-eye intermediate standard at 32 inches
Astigmatism
Generally correctable — meets standards with appropriate corrective lenses
Color Vision Deficiency
Any/all approved computerized tests and repeat attempts are permitted. Testing may occur at another verified facility. Third-class issuance, if otherwise qualified, may carry limitation 104: Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only.
LASIK / PRK
Generally accepted once stable — documentation and ophthalmologist clearance required
Cataracts
Post-surgical vision meeting standards is generally acceptable — Special Issuance may be required initially
Glaucoma
CACI requires all worksheet criteria: diagnosis at age 40 or older, IOP ≤23 mmHg in both eyes, no nerve damage or trabeculectomy, and no field defect or unreliable fields; stable angle-closure treated by iridotomy/iridectomy may also qualify
Retinal Disease / Macular Degeneration
Evaluated individually — significant acuity or field loss may require Special Issuance or be disqualifying
Monocular Vision (one functional eye)
Requires Special Issuance for all classes — may be achievable with documented adaptation and safety record
Diplopia (Double Vision)
Disqualifying if manifest (present without corrective prism) — prism correction is allowed if monocular vision meets standard in each eye
Wearing the wrong prescription — ensure your corrective lenses are current and correct before your exam
Failing intermediate vision at age 50+ on a first- or second-class exam — update your reading prescription before the exam if presbyopia is progressing
Not bringing backup glasses — if contacts are removed during exam, you may fail without corrective lenses
Post-LASIK instability — if your prescription is still changing, you may not meet the standard consistently
Undiagnosed glaucoma causing subtle field loss — get a comprehensive eye exam before your FAA medical if you haven't had one recently
Not disclosing recent eye surgery or diagnosis — FAA requires disclosure of any eye condition or surgery on Form 8500-8
Official FAA sources used in developing this guide.