Presbyopia

Consideration

See also Visual aids.

Presbyopia is the result of aging with progressive inability to accommodate. In the emmetropic eye, the need for near vision correction arises at around age 40-50.

The Myope will also need correction at about the same age if wearing their distance glasses. In practice myopes tend to either remove their spectacles to read or look under or over their spectacles frame. Alternatively they use spectacles with bifocal or varifocal lenses.

The Hypermetrope (Hyperope) who does not need spectacles to meet the distance vision standards will need near vision correction at a younger age, initially being able to use full frame corrective lenses, needing bifocal later.

Information to be provided

A special eye report must or should be provided in the following circumstances:

• As required in the Timing of Routine Examination GD [PDF 500 KB];
• On the first occasion that an applicant Class 1 or 3 does not meet the uncorrected near vision standards;
• On the first occasion that an applicant presents with contact lenses.

Disposition in case of presbyopia

Class 1, 2 and 3 (ATC working in tower)

Under the ICAO SARPS, when near and distance correction are both needed, the applicant shall demonstrate that one pair of spectacles is sufficient to meet both distant and near vision requirements. CAA has adopted this recommendation as a policy (see Visual aids).

A Class 1, 2 or 3 applicant with presbyopia who only meets the vision standards when using corrective lenses must have the medical certificate endorsed accordingly:

• Half spectacles must be readily available, if refractive correction is only needed to meet the near vision standards; or
• Bifocal must be worn, if refractive correction is needed to meet both distance and near vision standards; or
• Bifocal must be worn (varifocal permitted), if refractive correction is needed to meet both distance and near vision standards and such correction is in use; or
• Contact lenses must be worn and half spectacles must be readily available, if using contact lenses for distance vision; or
• Trifocal must be worn, if refractive correction is needed to meet distance, near and / or intermediate; and such correction is in use; or
• Trifocal must be worn (varifocal permitted) if refractive correction is needed to meet distance, near and / or intermediate vision, and such correction is in use; and
• Spare spectacles must be readily available.

Note 1

The ability for a myope to read over or under the distance spectacles is not an acceptable alternative to wearing suitable bifocal / multifocal refractive lenses.

Note 2: Class 3 applicant (ATC working in radar room)

A Class 3 applicant working in the radar room and who meets the distance vision standards uncorrected but only meets the intermediate / near vision standards when using corrective lenses may use full frame spectacles that are adequate for the intermediate and near distance working conditions.