Content Section
For guidance regarding the conduction of visual acuity, field of vision, heterophoria, and color vision tests, please refer to Items 50-54.
The Eye exam has many components and will be directed toward the discovery of diseases or defects that may cause a failure in visual function while flying or discomfort sufficient to interfere with safely performing airman duties.
The AME should personally explore the applicant's history by asking questions concerning any changes in vision, unusual visual experiences (halos, scintillations, etc.), sensitivity to light, injuries, surgery, or current use of medication. Does the pilot report inordinate difficulties with eye fatigue or strain? Is there a history of serious eye disease such as glaucoma or other disease commonly associated with secondary eye changes, such as diabetes?
The AME will consider the following signs during the initial phase of the eye inspection:
- Color: redness or suffusion of allergy, drug use, glaucoma, infection, trauma, jaundice, ciliary flush of Iritis, and the green or brown Kayser-Fleischer Ring of Wilson's disease.
- Swelling: abscess, allergy, cyst, exophthalmos, myxedema, or tumor.
- Other External Eye Findings: clarity, discharge, dryness, ptosis, protosis, spasm (tic), tropion, or ulcer.
Please see the related pages listed below for information on the other detailed portions of the eye and vision exam
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