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Eyes

Dilating drops from an eye exam

Mydriatic eye drop
Other names: cyclopentolate, Cyclogyl, tropicamide, Mydriacyl, phenylephrine eye drops, Altafrin

FAA guidance

Acceptable with conditions.

Wait

24 hours

after cyclopentolate

Different waits apply in other cases.

Examiner

The examiner can issue when the document's criteria are met

FAA label

ACCEPTABLE

Source: FAA, Eye Medication. FAA date 27 April 2022. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA's eye medication page lists most mydriatics (dilating medications) as acceptable if the underlying condition is acceptable, with a no-fly time of 24 hours for cyclopentolate and 8 hours for phenylephrine or tropicamide.

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More detail: Dilating drops from an eye examThe rest of the wait, and the FAA rules behind this answerOpen

Wait

  • 8 hours after phenylephrine or tropicamide
Show the FAA's words: Dilating drops from an eye examThe official FAA wording: one passage, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Eye Medication · FAA date 27 April 2022
ACEPTABLE Medications, if the underlying condition is acceptable (as a single agent or combination product).
Most Mydriatic: cyclopentolate (Cyclogyl) – 24 hour no-fly, phenylephrine (Altafrin) – 8 hour no-fly, tropicamide (Mydriacyl) – 8 hour no-fly
Sources and dates: Dilating drops from an eye examOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen
  • Eye Medication

    FAA date 27 April 2022 · Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026 · PDF

See also

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.