Contact Lenses.
 

I have been using glasses for about a year now ever since I started training. I have myopia I think but its nothing serious and I have 20/20 with glasses on and have a 1st class medical. The thing is, I recently got prescription sunglasses and I just can't fly without them (because I like e'm), but its a real pain to switch from glasses to sunglasses over and over. I would prefer to have contact lenses and just use sunglasses over them so that I don't have to wear sunglasses when I don't need them. You don't enjoy flying as much when everything you see is a brownish color I think.

My concern is however that I have never used contact lenses before and don't know if they are prone to falling off among other things. Having a contact lens fall off in the middle of an ILS approach to minimums wouldn't be the best thing right?

Are they even allowed by the FAA?

Just wanted to get your thoughts on the mater and your experiences if possible.

contact lens
 

PM me if you have any queries on it.

contact lens
 

HectorD

I will highly recommend you get contact lens.. I see no problem in using it. I have been wearing contact lens for several years now and will never use glasses. They are extremely comfortable and you arent even aware that you have them on. The technology has advanced so much that they are safe and very reliable for even the most demanding conditions and environments so I will assume for piloting, it shouldnt be a problem. I am yet to start my PPL but I work on the hangar and tarmac which is pretty harsh conditions due to the weather and all the other harsh elements and I have no problem whatsoever.

The pair I wear now is the extended soft lens by CIBA and it is worn continouous for 30 days . (You can sleep with these as well). It is important that you always follow proper care and make sure you use solution every morning to lubricate the lens. Some people prefere the daily disposables which is a fresh pair every day but the extneded wear is excellent nevertheless.

If you can get in touch with a contact lens research company or college that want first time users, that be an idea since they will teach you everything for lens care and give you up to 6-12 months free supply and give you free eye checkups to make sure your body doesnt reject it.

What I do and so many who wear contact lens do is keep a pair of glasses at hand incase of emergency. If you need to suddenly remove a lens or you lost one, you can easily put on your glasses. I also keep a few extra pairs and solution and case in my carry on where ever I am.

Regards

Thank you, I will give contact lenses a try. I however am leaning toward the disposable ones due to the cleanliness. The only issue I can think of is that when I am in college, how will I get new lenses if I run out? How many lenses does one pack of disposable contacts contain? and how much does it cost?

U can order your lens from one of those sites online lens express like visiondirect.com where u can get them at reasonable prices and have it delivered straight to your door.. Disposables, you can order 30 pairs or up to 90 pairs per box so you always have a constant supply. The cost can vary but after your first order, you are usually sent promotion codes for added 10-15% discounts on future orders. U will need to get a prescription from an eye care specialist prior to buying lens since it is unlawful for any company to sell you lens without one.

I wont say the disposables are necessarily cleaner than extended wear and you still need to take proper care.

Thanks for the info. One last thing though. If I where to buy from that website and send my prescription. Will I need to send a prescription each time I buy lenses? Because getting a prescription will be an issue at college hundreds of miles from home.

HectorD,

Definitely take Stealth114's advice when it comes to the contact lenses. I have been wearing them for many years now and have had no issues when it comes to flying with my contacts in.

I would definitely recommend that you carry a pair of prescription glasses with you since most places require you to have them if you are wearing contact glasses. There have been plenty of times when I have taken my contacts out and put on my glasses while flying. It makes a whole difference in the world if you have that one contact that bugs you.

I live out of the US and I have mine faxed to the online contact lens store and they get it instantly and they keep it on file so you dont need to keep faxing them a copy every time. The prescription is usually valid for up to a year so once they got the copy of the prescription, its easy from then on. Nothing further to be done. You can order as many times without hassle. In fact, a month or so before the prescription expires, the store will email you and notify you that your prescription will soon be up so you can make an order then.. I always make sure I buy a few months supply. It works out cheaper in the long run plus you can get free shipping on orders over $100 USD.

As undflyboy says, it can be a pain to have a contact lens giving you trouble. A contact lens can be taken out much quicker than inserting one so if u need to take out one instantly, just get it out and put the good lens in a case with solution and pop on the glasses. I hate glasses so much I havent even got a pair on me. I need to get one though, once i start training this month. Contacts arent for everyone so you do need to make sure you learn to care for them and your eyes and then they become like second nature. You literally have to feel with your finger to make sure its there sometimes... And for the hec of it, if you're in a lay over and want to take a swim in a beach or swimming pool, get yourself one of those prescription swim googles. They are awesome!

I wear contacts, and have for many years now. I would not go back to glasses. However, keep a spare with you when you fly, especially in a pressurized environment they may dry out and get uncomfortable or fall out. I carry a small bottle of Renu drops for this reason.