Can you be a pilot if you have cataracts?

Question

Can you be a pilot if you have cataracts?

Answer 1

In the United States, the presence of cataracts requires an FAA decision on whether or not to issue the medical.  If the visual acuity is within the requirements for a license (20/20 for distant and 20/40 for near vision, after correction), it should be possible to issue the medical.  Cataracts tend to be progressive but progress very slowly, so there is no danger of incapacitation in flight, but regular reevaluation is required.  If cataract surgery has already been performed, an FAA decision is still necessary but there's a good chance it will be approved, at least for second and third class and possibly first class medicals.

The FAA worries about incapacitation.  As long as you don't have a condition that prevents you from flying properly or a condition that might suddenly incapacitate you, you can fly.  Mild cataracts are in neither of these categories, so it should be possible to issue a medical in most cases.  The FAA is more likely to issue a second or third class medical than a first class (airline pilot), of course.

Answer 2

you'd have to get the cataracts taken care of first.

Answer 3

No, mostly likely not.

Answer 4

I hope not....

Answer 5

Have them removed or you will eventually go blind. You won't need to worry about flying a plane because you will not be driving anymore either.

Answer 6

I feel special!!!! 16/20, better than 20/20!!!!

Answer 7

This is a no brainer

Answer 8

not if you dont have them removed, they (the air force) would do a medical check and with cataracts you would not pass

Answer 9

You must be joking. A half blind pilot, you would terrify your passengers to death.

Answer 10

i am hoping to be a pilot as well, just for recreation at first.  I seen pilots wear glasses so i hope that is something that can be worked around. i wonder if lasik surgery would fix that.. my grandmother had a catarac removed..; good luck..

Answer 11

No you need perfect 20/20 vision with no health problems at least relating with your eyes.  Common sense

Answer 12

It probably wouldn't be a good idea, unless they were removed, but there's always the chance of them getting worse at the most inconvenient time.