Ophthalmoscopic : What to Expect at the Flight Physical
Item 32: FAA Policies on the Airman Medical Exam
May 2014
Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide pages 62-63, 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).
The FAA recommends that AMEs establish a routine for ophthalmoscopic examinations to aid in the conduct of a comprehensive eye assessment. Routine use mydriatics (dilating eye drops) are not recommended, but in rare circumstances the AME may need to dilate the pilot's pupils to better visualize internal structures. The doctor will check for the following:
- a. Cornea — observed for abrasions, calcium deposits, contact lenses, dystrophy, keratoconus, pterygium, scars, or ulceration. Contact lenses should be removed several hours before examination of the eye. (See 50. Distant Vision)
- b. Pupils and Iris — checked for the presence of synechiae and uveitis. Size, shape, and reaction to light will be evaluated during the ophthalmoscopic examination. The AME will check for coloboma, reaction to light, and any disparity in size.
- c. Aqueous — hyphema or iridocyclitis (blood or inflammation around iris).
- d. Lens — observed for aphakia, discoloration, dislocation, cataract, or an implanted lens.
- e. Vitreous — AME will note any discoloration, hyaloid artery, floaters, or strands.
- f. Optic nerve — observed for atrophy, hemorrhage, cupping, or papilledema.
- g. Retina and choroid — examined for evidence of coloboma, choroiditis, detachment of the retina, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal tumor, macular or other degeneration, toxoplasmosis or other identifiable signs of ocular or systemic disease.
OCULAR DISEASE OR CONDITION |
CLASS |
EVALUATION DATA |
DISPOSITION |
---|---|---|---|
Chorioretinitis; Coloboma; Corneal Ulcer or Dystrophy; Optic Atrophy or Neuritis; Retinal Degeneration or Detachment; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Papilledema; or Uveitis |
All |
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report |
Requires FAA Decision |
|
All |
Review all pertinent medical information and current status report, including Form 8500-14 |
See Glaucoma Worksheet. If airman meets all certification criteria – AME Authorized to Issue the Certificate. All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data.
Initial Special Issuance - Requires FAA Decision |
|
All |
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report |
Requires FAA Decision |
All |
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report |
Requires FAA Decision |
|
Vascular Occlusion; Retinopathy |
All |
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report |
Requires FAA Decision |
Related Pages:
Medical History Related to the Eye
Anatomy (Eye Structure)
- 31. Eyes, general
- 32. Ophthalmoscopic (This Page)
- 33. Pupils
- 34. Ocular Motility
Physiology (Visual Function)
- 50. Distant Vision
- 51.a. Near Vision
- 51.b. Intermediate Vision
- 52. Color Vision
- 53. Field of Vision
- 54. Heterophoria
Medical Flight Tests for those with Waiverable Vision Defects
- Medical Flight Tests Overview
- Medical Flight Tests General Instructions
- Decision Flow Chart for Pilots Who Fail Color Vision Test (Graphic)
- Medical Flight Tests Procedures
- Color Vision Flight Test
- Medical Flight Tests: Signal Light Test
- Medical Flight Tests: Monocular Vision (for pilots with vision in a single eye )
- Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT)
This page discussed the Ophthalmoscopic portion of the Eyes & Vision section of the Fight Physical Examination required of pilots.
Reminder: use FlightPhysical.com to familiarize yourself with aviation medical regulations and guidelines, but always discuss your specific situation with one or more AMEs before dedicating resources toward expensive clinical workups. Find an AME now