I try to use this blog as much as I can to address common questions and concerns I get from my members, and I have to say it is about time I wrote a post about what is perhaps the most common question I get from you guys.

What are the vision requirements of Fighter Pilots and can you still be a fighter Pilot if I wear glasses?

There are four areas of vision that are tested for Fighter Pilots. You must pass each of these to qualify for a flight slot; however, you do not need 20/20 vision to pass.

   1. Distant Vision
   2. Near Vision
   3. Color Vision
   4. Depth Perception

For the Air Force, the vision requirements are 20/70, correctable to 20/70 for Distant Vision and 20/20 for Near Vision. For the Navy / Marine Corps the vision requirements are 20/40, correctible to 20/20 for Distant and 20/20 for Near Vision. This essentially means that if you don’t have perfect vision, 20/20 and require corrective lenses or contacts then you can still qualify for a flight slot!

If your vision is worse than this or you are concerned that your vision does not meet the standards then there are a few things that you can do to improve or maintain your eyesight. Here are some exercises that you can do to help keep your eyes at their strongest.

1. Close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds, and then open wide for the same amount of time. Repeat this 7-8 times.
2. Roll your eyes clockwise, and then counter-clockwise one full rotation. Repeat 5 times.
3. Hold an object such as a pen out in front of you at arms’ length and slowly move it close to your nose while focusing on it the entire time. Repeat this 5-10 times.

There are also great programs available that can help you improve and maintain your vision. I have found a great one (THAT I USED) that you can get at http://www.FighterPilotVision.com!

In general you will want to minimize or eliminate exposure to things that irritate your eyes including,

• Wearing glasses or contacts.
• Reading.
• Computer use and television.
• Not getting a proper diet.
• Squinting or straining to see.

The following program that I used, and I have here in my office, answers all your questions and concerns on maintaining and even in some cases improving your vision.

http://www.FighterPilotVision.com

Hopefully this answers your basic questions about the vision requirement for Fighter Pilots!