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From: djmolny@wnuxb.UUCP (DJ Molny)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: contact lenses and flying
Message-ID: <550@wnuxb.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Apr-85 12:10:28 EDT
Article-I.D.: wnuxb.550
Posted: Mon Apr 29 12:10:28 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 30-Apr-85 06:15:07 EDT
References: <59@utastro.UUCP>
Reply-To: djmolny@wnuxb.UUCP (DJ Molny)
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T - Something or Other (Ex-CSD), IL
Lines: 24
Summary: 

I fly with soft (extended-wear) contact lenses with good results.

Use of contact lenses is permitted by the FAA, subject to the
same restrictions as glasses (i.e., they must correct your vision
to acceptable levels.)  I have severe myopia in both eyes (my right eye is
legally blind, and the left isn't far behind.)  With contacts, my eyes are
corrected to about 20/40 and 20/30, well within FAA limits.

From a safety standpoint, contacts pose only one problem: what happens if
one or both lenses pop out, or must be removed because of irritation?
The first and most obvious answer is to put on glasses.  Although I carry
spare glasses in flight kit for such emergencies, I've never had a problem
with eye irritation while flying.  After all, flying takes you above most
airborne dust, sand, pollen, etc.

Hard contacts have several drawbacks over soft lenses.  They are more
likely to pop out when the eyes become dry, and any debris under
the lens is far more painful (I speak from unhappy experience.) Because soft
lenses are as large as the iris, there are no problems with night vision.


						Regards,
						DJ Molny
						ihnp4!wnuxa!djmolny