LASIK Guidelines for Pilots

Airline pilots shoulder a heavy responsibility every time they go to work. They must be held to the highest levels of performance in order to ensure that the lives of the people they carry are not put in jeopardy.

As a result, it is extremely important that pilots have excellent vision. They must read cockpit instruments, maps, and charts throughout the flight. They must also have strong distance vision that will allow them to notice any obstacles in the air or on the runway.

A growing number of pilots have been opting for LASIK surgery in order to make sure that their vision meets the standards needed to effectively perform their job. While laser eye surgery has become quite routine, it is still surgery and therefore is accompanied by certain risks. As a result, pilots who have gotten LASIK must meet strict criteria before they will be allowed to fly after their surgery.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented several requirements for pilots to meet before they will be cleared to fly after LASIK. The laser eye surgeon must confirm that the pilot's surgery went successfully and did not result in any complications. He must also attest to the fact that the pilot's eyes have completely healed.

Each airline has imposed its own set of guidelines for pilots undergoing LASIK. Most airlines mandate that pilots must wait at least six weeks before returning to work, and many will also require the pilot to pass a series of vision tests to ensure that he can accurately carry out his flying responsibilities.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.