FAA Accelerates Post-Cataract Surgery Return to Flight for Pilots
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has significantly reduced waiting periods for pilots returning to flight after cataract surgery. This marks a major improvement in medical certification processes. In the past, pilots faced up to two years before medical recertification was allowed. However, under new FAA guidelines, this wait time has been reduced to just three months for most procedures.
The updated protocols vary by lens type:
- Fixed monofocal or toric lenses: require only a two-week recovery period
- Light adjustable lenses: need six weeks with at least two weeks after final adjustment
- Near vision, multifocal, or extended depth of focus lenses: require 12 weeks before return to flying
The National Business Aviation Association welcomed these changes. They noted that these changes reflect growing confidence in modern surgical outcomes and meaningful improvements in patient recovery processes.
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