Dry Eyes in the Cockpit: Why Pilots Need to Pay Attention

Flying with Irritated Eyes? You’re Not Alone.

Few things are more distracting in flight than burning, gritty, or watery eyes. For many pilots, these symptoms are so common they feel like “just part of flying.” But dry eye isn’t something you have to push through. Left unmanaged, it can cause fluctuating vision, discomfort, and fatigue at the very moments when you need sharp focus the most.

Our doctors understand how dry eye affects daily life, and as a pilot myself, I know the unique challenges it creates in the cockpit.

Why Pilots Struggle with Dry Eyes in the Cockpit

Pilots face unique environmental challenges that make dry eye more likely:

• Cockpit airflow & low humidity: Recirculated air dries out the tear film quickly.

• Extended screen use: From iPads to instrument panels, constant near work reduces blink rate.

• Altitude: Even in pressurized cabins, higher altitudes reduce available moisture.

• Contact lenses: While convenient, they can worsen dryness in dry environments.

• Age-related changes: Tear production naturally decreases over time, making symptoms more noticeable.

Why Dry Eye Matters in Aviation

Dry eyes in the cockpit aren't

Dry Eyes In The Cockpit

just an annoyance — it can affect safety.

• Blurry vision during approach or landing

• Eye fatigue on long flights

• Glare sensitivity during night operations or when facing the sun

• Fluctuating vision that makes it harder to read instruments or spot other aircraft

Even if your vision tests at 20/20 during your FAA medical exam, dry eye symptoms can still interfere with flight performance.

FAA Standards and Dry Eye

The FAA requires pilots to meet strict visual acuity standards:

• 20/20 or better for first- and second-class medicals

• 20/40 or better for third-class medicals

Dry eye can reduce clarity, especially in dry cockpits or at night. If your vision fluctuates, it could make meeting these standards harder — or simply make flying less safe and less enjoyable. That’s why proactive management matters.

How We Help Pilots in Omaha

At our practice, we take aviation vision seriously. Our approach to dry eye includes:

• Advanced diagnostics like tear film testing and meibography to identify the root cause.

• Personalized treatment plans with prescription drops, in-office therapies, and at-home routines.

• Practical cockpit strategies such as hydration tips, artificial tear selection, and protective eyewear recommendations.

We’re here to make sure your eyes aren’t just good enough to pass your exam — but comfortable enough to perform at their best in the air.

The Plan

1. Schedule your aviation vision exam.

2. Get your customized dry eye treatment plan.

3. Fly with comfort and confidence.

👉 Don’t let dry eye distract you in the cockpit. Schedule your aviation-focused dry eye evaluation today and keep your vision clear where it matters most — in the air.