Glaucoma Medications : Rules for Pilots

FAA Policies on Pharmaceuticals for Airmen

Apr 2014

Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide, FAA and FDA web data (www.FAA.gov & www.FDA.gov), instructions specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Federal Air Surgeon Bulletins from 1999-2015, and 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 67 (the FARs).

Code of Federal Regulations for Airmen
- First-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.103(e), 67.113(b)(c)
- Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.203(e), 67.213(b)(c)
- Third-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.303(e), 67.313(b)(c)
Medical History: Item 18.,d, Medical History, Eye or vision trouble except glasses.
The applicant should provide history and treatment, pertinent medical records, current status report, and medication and dosage.
Aeromedical Decision Considerations: See Item 32, Ophthalmoscopic
Protocol: N/A. See Glaucoma Worksheet.
Pharmaceutical Considerations: A few applicants have been certified following their demonstration of adequate control with oral medication. Neither miotics nor mydriatics are necessarily medically disqualifying. However, miotics such as pilocarpine cause pupillary constriction and could conceivably interfere with night vision.

Although the FAA no longer routinely prohibits pilots who use such medications from flying at night, it may be worthwhile for the AME to discuss this aspect of the use of miotics with applicants. If considerable disturbance in night vision is documented, the FAA may limit the medical certificate: NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLYING.

Summary: This page reviewed the medical and legal aviation aspects of Glaucoma Medications compiled from recent FAA and FDA reports.

This page discussed Glaucoma Medications : Rules for Pilots

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