Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic near Madu Station.
If you are preparing for an aviation-related career as a pilot or air traffic controller, you will need to undergo an aviation medical examination, which differs from a general health checkup.
Just as applicants must meet certain physical requirements to obtain a driver’s license, aviation professionals must also satisfy specific medical standards.
An ophthalmic evaluation assesses more than visual acuity alone. It comprehensively examines several factors, including refractive status, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, and color vision.
If you have undergone refractive surgery such as LASIK or LASEK, the time elapsed since surgery and the presence of any postoperative complications must also be evaluated.
What Is the Role of an Aviation Medical Examiner?
An aviation medical examiner is a physician certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport who has completed specialized training and obtained the qualifications required to perform aviation medical examinations.
The examination evaluates the applicant’s overall physical condition. The final result may be classified as fit, conditionally fit, unfit, or deferred.
A conditionally fit determination means that the individual may perform aviation duties under specified conditions.
The scope of permitted duties may be restricted, the certificate’s validity period may be shortened, or medical opinions and supporting documents may be required at regular intervals.
An aviation medical examination does more than determine whether a person has a particular disease. It evaluates whether the individual meets the physical standards required to perform aviation duties safely.
What vision standards are assessed during the ophthalmic examination?
Vision Requirements Vary by Certificate Class
The required distance visual acuity varies depending on the certificate class.
| Classification | Distance Visual Acuity Requirement |
| Class 1 | 1.0 or better |
| Class 2 | 0.5 or better in each eye and 0.7 or better with both eyes |
| Class 3 | 0.7 or better in each eye and 1.0 or better with both eyes |
Wearing glasses does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The examination may assess whether the required visual acuity can be achieved with corrective lenses.
However, if uncorrected visual acuity is below 0.1, a refractive assessment every five years and a written opinion from an ophthalmologist may be required.
What requirements apply to people who have undergone LASIK or LASEK?
Can You Qualify After LASIK or LASEK?
Undergoing refractive surgery at an eye clinic in Madu does not automatically prevent you from working in an aviation-related field.
You must still meet the standards for the applicable certificate class after surgery. The following factors may also be assessed:
✔ Glare or halos
✔ Reduced contrast sensitivity
✔ Impaired night vision
✔ Postoperative complications
✔ Refractive status
The evaluation considers more than whether your visual acuity meets the numerical requirement. It also examines whether any remaining visual symptoms could affect your performance in an actual aviation environment.
The Postoperative Observation Period Is Also Important
A minimum observation period of three months is required after refractive surgery.
However, if the procedure was performed to correct myopia or hyperopia of 6 diopters or more, an observation period of at least six months is required.
The process can be summarized as follows:
Refractive surgery → Postoperative observation → Evaluation of complications and visual function → Determination based on whether the required standards are met
After three months, a conditionally fit certificate may be issued if the required evaluations reveal no problems. If all conditions are met after two years, a fit certificate may be issued.
If you are preparing to become a pilot and considering LASIK or LASEK, you should plan around not only the surgery date but also the required postoperative observation period.
How Is Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery Different From LASIK or LASEK?
LASIK, LASEK, and implantable collamer lens surgery differ in how they correct vision.
LASIK and LASEK reshape the cornea, whereas implantable collamer lens surgery involves placing a lens between the iris and the natural crystalline lens.
Undergoing implantable collamer lens surgery does not automatically make a person ineligible for certification. However, additional evaluation may be required because of the potential complications associated with the procedure.
For an initial certificate or after implantable collamer lens surgery, a detailed examination assessing contrast sensitivity and glare may be required, along with a written opinion from an ophthalmologist.
For this reason, the specific type of vision correction procedure you previously underwent is important information that should not be omitted.
The Examination Assesses More Than Whether You Can See Clearly
Aviation duties require the ability to distinguish objects accurately under a range of visual conditions. The examination may therefore include assessments beyond a standard visual acuity chart.
One important test is contrast sensitivity.
Unlike reading dark, clearly defined letters on a bright background, contrast sensitivity measures how well you can distinguish objects when the difference between light and dark is relatively small.
Additional contrast sensitivity testing is performed for individuals who have undergone refractive surgery.
Other areas that may be evaluated include:
Refractive status · Contrast sensitivity · Glare sensitivity · Eye movements · Color vision
Rather than focusing only on how clearly you can currently see, it is important to understand that the examination evaluates your overall visual function in relation to aviation duties.
Q&A | Common Questions About Preparing for an Aviation Medical Examination
Q. Am I ineligible if I wear glasses?
No. You may qualify if you meet the required visual acuity standards while wearing glasses.
However, additional refractive testing and a written opinion from an ophthalmologist may be required depending on your uncorrected visual acuity and other findings.
Q. Can I qualify after undergoing LASIK or LASEK?
Undergoing LASIK or LASEK does not automatically disqualify you. You must meet the applicable vision standards and complete the required postoperative observation period. Glare, contrast sensitivity, night vision, and other aspects of visual function will also be assessed.
Q. Can I undergo the examination immediately after LASIK or LASEK?
A minimum observation period of three months is required after refractive surgery. If the procedure corrected myopia or hyperopia of 6 diopters or more, an observation period of at least six months is required.
When preparing for an aviation medical examination, it is important to consider more than whether your visual acuity meets the numerical standard. Your current eye condition, previous surgical history, and the time elapsed since surgery must all be assessed.
If you have undergone LASIK, LASEK, or implantable collamer lens surgery, additional evaluations of contrast sensitivity, glare, and night vision may be necessary.
The final result may be classified as fit, conditionally fit, or deferred. If you are preparing for a career as a pilot, air traffic controller, or another aviation professional, it is advisable to identify the required examinations and supporting documents in advance.
Thank you.
