Abstract: Objective To investigate the distant vision and refraction changes in a group of flying cadets with subnormal distant vision and then provide some objective evidences to change our policy in the selection of combat flying cadets. Methods Two hundred and seventy-one pilot cadets with subnormal distant vision (0.8≤ distant vision＜ 1.0) at admission were observed on the changes of their distant vision and refraction as study group, and pilot cadets with subnormal distant vision (≥1.0) served as control group. Data collected from the study group were compared with that of the control group. The results were statistically compared between two groups and different times of checks. Results The MDV (median of distant vision) of study group was 1.04, 0.94 and 1.20, respectively, which showed statistical difference between study group and control group in the first 2 years of follow-up (Z=-9.034, P=0.000; Z=-12.829, P=0.000). While, there was no significant difference compared with the control group in the last year of followup (Z=-0.210, P=0.834). The rate of distant vision met for qualification of jet pilot was 97.67% in 2009, 97.65% in 2010 and 93.62% in 2010 in study group. The rate of eyes with subnormal distant vision in study group upgraded to normal distant vision was 83.14% in 2009, 45.89% in 2010, and 80.85% in 2011, and the rate showed significant difference in the three years follow-up (χ²=127.152, P=0.000). The rate of nearsightedness in study group significantly decreased, while the changes of other refractive components remained the same with control group, which showed significant difference in the three years of follow-up (χ²=9.366, P=0.025; χ²=9.944, P=0.019; χ²=17.165, P=0.001). The over standard rate of static refraction significantly decreased year by year in study group with 39.53% in 2009, 28.65% in 2010, and 23.61% in 2011. There was no statistical difference between study group and control group in the first 2 years of follow-up (χ²=4.880, P=0.087; χ²=4.995, P=0.082). While, there was a significant difference compared with the control group in the last year of follow-up (χ²=4.614, P=0.010). Conclusion The pilot cadets with subnormal distant vision will have their distant vision gradually improved during three years of study in pilot school with the refraction remaining stable, and the gap of difference is gradually narrowed as compared with the control group. The results indicate that thesubnormal distant vision can be clinically settled at level of 0.8 for the admission qualification of pilot cadet, especially for those who is not trained for jet fighter.