ICL surgery may be suitable for some pilots, but must comply with aviation authority regulations and higher visual performance demands.
Potential advantages
High‑quality optics are essential in the cockpit.
- Stable correction without reliance on contact lenses at altitude
- Wide, frame‑free field of view for instruments and outside references
- No fogging or slipping of spectacles in variable cabin conditions
- Particularly attractive for high prescriptions that are awkward in glasses
- Reversibility if regulatory requirements change in future
Regulatory and clinical considerations
Pilots face stricter thresholds.
- Need to verify CAA/EASA or other authority rules regarding ICLs
- Requirement for excellent contrast sensitivity and night‑vision performance
- Thorough counselling about any risk of halos or glare
- Careful documentation of pre‑ and post‑operative visual metrics
- Coordination with an aviation medical examiner before and after surgery
