Depth perception is one of the most important visual skills a pilot relies on, and many don’t realize their contact lenses might be quietly compromising it. In Day 17 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge, MzeroA looks at how monovision contact lenses can affect binocular vision, landing precision, and overall flight safety. If you wear contacts or are considering monovision, this is essential information every pilot needs to know.
What Are Monovision Contacts and Why Pilots Use Them
Monovision contacts correct one eye for distance and the other for near vision. They’re a common solution for farsightedness, especially for those who normally rely on reading glasses. While monovision may work fine in everyday life, aviation places much higher demands on visual performance, especially when depth perception and quick visual cues matter most.
How Monovision Impacts Depth Perception in Flight
Accurate depth perception depends on both eyes receiving similar images so the brain can create a single, coordinated view. When each eye is corrected differently, those images no longer match. This can lead to:
- Inconsistent or blurry vision.
- Delayed visual cues during landing.
- Difficulty judging runway distance.
- Trouble gauging closure rates with traffic or terrain.
Even small delays or misjudgments can have significant consequences during critical phases of flight.
FAA Guidance on Monovision for Pilots
The FAA’s AME Guide notes that monovision is not automatically approved under 14 CFR 61.5 because it can compromise binocular vision; monovision lenses must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pilots may be required to undergo additional depth-perception testing to confirm they can still meet medical standards. Since they cannot fly with any condition or correction that prevents them from meeting medical requirements, monovision must be reviewed carefully.
Safer Alternatives Pilots Are Using
Many pilots avoid monovision altogether and opt for single-vision correction paired with a simple pair of readers for flight deck use. This keeps both eyes working together, preserves depth perception, and prevents visual inconsistencies during landing or traffic evaluation. When in doubt, check with your AME or eye doctor before making any changes.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!