I am getting ready to go to OTS and UPT for the AF reserve and currently wear glasses. My eyes are 20/25 left and 20/30 right. A friend of mine just got contacts that he can wear for 30 days at a time. Can i get those as well and is it advisabe to wear contacts at OTS? Thanks.
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Contact lens info
Started by Guest_jassayag_*, May 15 2004 06:39 PM
83 replies to this topic
#2
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Crew Dawg
Posted 15 May 2004 - 10:58 PM
To my knowledge, the AF won't care what kind of contacts you wear until you're on the AF contact lense program for flyers. Everyone I know (myself included) who's on the program uses the AcuView (sp?) 2 week contacts. 30-day contacts sound like a good idea for OTS. Good luck.
#3 Guest_jassayag_*
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Posted 16 May 2004 - 12:26 AM
So do I need to contact the flight surgeon at my base about it first or can I just go and do it now?
#4
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Crew Dawg
Posted 16 May 2004 - 01:08 PM
Quote
Can i get those as well and is it advisabe to wear contacts at OTS
#5
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Crew Dawg
Posted 18 May 2004 - 10:13 PM
This is kind of related. I've tried finding some information related to the contact lens program, but I haven't had any luck. I remember awhile ago seeing something about the requirements for flyers and a list of approved contacts at the end, but I haven't been able to find it.
I've also heard some conflicting information about how to get on the program. Some people have said that it can be a pain and the they want to know how long you have worn contacts and problems you've had while others have said it is no big deal (especially if you are currently wearing contacts) and you just let them know you want to be put on the program.
If anyone had any info, it would be helpful in knowing what I'm going to be up against.
[ 18. May 2004, 22:14: Message edited by: CHQ Pilot ]
I've also heard some conflicting information about how to get on the program. Some people have said that it can be a pain and the they want to know how long you have worn contacts and problems you've had while others have said it is no big deal (especially if you are currently wearing contacts) and you just let them know you want to be put on the program.
If anyone had any info, it would be helpful in knowing what I'm going to be up against.
[ 18. May 2004, 22:14: Message edited by: CHQ Pilot ]
#6 Guest_F16PilotMD_*
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Posted 19 May 2004 - 07:19 PM
It's easy. They will give you a list of approved contacts and cleaning solutions. There is a form to fill out about eye history. The eye doc will check you out with and without them in...viola. I am not 100% sure of the AETC policy at SUPT...someone on here has been there, done that...tell us.
#7
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Crew Dawg
Posted 20 May 2004 - 07:48 PM
Some studs were lucky enough to get put on the program AND have their contacts paid for while in UNT at Randolph, while others were not. I guess it depends on who you ask and on what day. Like F16MD said, getting on the program is a pretty painless process. In fact, the toughest part may be just scheduling that initial appointment and the 1wk, 1month, 3month followups. As far as lens brands and solutions go, I wasn't given a choice but that may be a base specific thing too.
My advice would be to get on the program ASAP, preferably while you still can deconflict those first few appointments with your schedule.
My advice would be to get on the program ASAP, preferably while you still can deconflict those first few appointments with your schedule.
#8 Guest_guardhopefull_*
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Posted 26 February 2005 - 09:17 PM
Hey all I'm trying to get some help on this one if anyone has expereince.
I was given orders to attend Brooks only two weeks ago and I have been on an Ortho-K hard contact lense program. My unit told me they were going to change the Brooks date but this has yet to happen so as it stands I’m leaving on Tuesday. I stopped wearing my contacts only this past Monday, so do you think that will be enough time to get a regular reading for the corneal topography? My civilian doc told me a while back that it really only takes about a week for the Orhto K lenses to loose all detectable effect and that the docs add in a few extra weeks just for a fudge factor. I can already tell my vision is much worse after having the lenses out for just a few days. Of course who knows what the topography will show.
I guess if they ask me about wearing them at Brooks, I will just tell them I was under the impression I was not coming to Brooks so soon and see what they say. I’m guessing they might have me come back. Thanks
I was given orders to attend Brooks only two weeks ago and I have been on an Ortho-K hard contact lense program. My unit told me they were going to change the Brooks date but this has yet to happen so as it stands I’m leaving on Tuesday. I stopped wearing my contacts only this past Monday, so do you think that will be enough time to get a regular reading for the corneal topography? My civilian doc told me a while back that it really only takes about a week for the Orhto K lenses to loose all detectable effect and that the docs add in a few extra weeks just for a fudge factor. I can already tell my vision is much worse after having the lenses out for just a few days. Of course who knows what the topography will show.
I guess if they ask me about wearing them at Brooks, I will just tell them I was under the impression I was not coming to Brooks so soon and see what they say. I’m guessing they might have me come back. Thanks
#9 Guest_dumaisj_*
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Posted 26 February 2005 - 10:20 PM
Dude, I looked into that when I was searching for an alternative to glasses/contacts. From my understanding and research of it, a history of ortho-k within the previous six months of examination is disqualifying. I don't know how long it'll take to give a normal corneal top. reading, but that was the CYA legal explanation I found.
[ 26. February 2005, 21:21: Message edited by: dumaisj ]
[ 26. February 2005, 21:21: Message edited by: dumaisj ]
#10 Guest_jackhammer130_*
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Posted 26 February 2005 - 11:52 PM
Dude,
Quit wearing the lenses. I was at brooks and asked the flight doc about them. His exact words were. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT. IF YOU GET CAUGHT YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. In that exact tone. Just be careful.
Quit wearing the lenses. I was at brooks and asked the flight doc about them. His exact words were. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT. IF YOU GET CAUGHT YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. In that exact tone. Just be careful.
#11 Guest_F16PilotMD_*
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Posted 27 February 2005 - 09:40 AM
The way I see it you've got one shot at this. Why would you take a chance on getting DQ'd at Brooks? It will/can be difficult to get a waiver or a second chance for things found at Brooks. I would delay the trip if I were you. Does your unit know you are wearing these things? Why are you wearing these things? I'm confused how/why you are wearing them if you are planning on flying in the USAF...?
#12 Guest_guardhopefull_*
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Posted 27 February 2005 - 01:04 PM
Understand I was not using them to try and cheat a test, believe me after 3 months of OTS I have had it hammered into my head about not doing stupid things, but even before that I would not try and cheat the system. There is no way I made it this far only to have something taken away in one day.
I was on this program well before I even applied to my pilot slot simply cause I was tired of being so blind when I had my regular lenses out, so my optometrist simply suggested it and it worked well. I have had the lenses out since early last week and I did tell my unit about it but they said to just go take the MFS anyways. They just told me I was going to Brooks two weeks ago, I was under the impression I was not going anyways cause my FC1 was not finished. Guess what, its still not finished as of this week and apparently my unit thinks I’m still going only to finish the FC1 testing at Brooks. Either way it’s a big charlie foxtrot and I was just curious on what you all knew about the program.
Dumaisj where did you find that info Id like to show it to the boss. Thanks
[ 27. February 2005, 12:06: Message edited by: guard/reserve hopefull ]
I was on this program well before I even applied to my pilot slot simply cause I was tired of being so blind when I had my regular lenses out, so my optometrist simply suggested it and it worked well. I have had the lenses out since early last week and I did tell my unit about it but they said to just go take the MFS anyways. They just told me I was going to Brooks two weeks ago, I was under the impression I was not going anyways cause my FC1 was not finished. Guess what, its still not finished as of this week and apparently my unit thinks I’m still going only to finish the FC1 testing at Brooks. Either way it’s a big charlie foxtrot and I was just curious on what you all knew about the program.
Dumaisj where did you find that info Id like to show it to the boss. Thanks
[ 27. February 2005, 12:06: Message edited by: guard/reserve hopefull ]
#13
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Gray Beard
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Posted 28 February 2005 - 02:49 PM
G/R I happened to be sitting at Brooks on casual after I was DQed for a different reason (BTW I'm awaiting my 3rd visit for FS at Brooks, so it is very possible to go back for a reattack...I'm also active duty), when a guy walked in that had been DQed for that very reason (hard contacts). They made him wait 6 months to be retested. It probably doesn't take that long for the effects to go away, but that will be their standard answer.
TR
TR
"If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit." -Mitch Hedberg
#14 Guest_lightning4eva_*
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Posted 20 April 2005 - 04:05 PM
Howdy,
I've done a search in numerous places but have been unable to find a list of brands of contacts that are authorized at UPT.
I'm commissioning in May 05, been wearing contacts for about 2 years, passed my FC1 (barely w/20/70 L 20/50 R) and I'm about to run out of my contact supply. I'd rather get a checkup and get a new brand of contacts.
I'm gonna be at Andrews for a while at IFT so I'll have some time to get used to them. Any help is much appreciated.
I've done a search in numerous places but have been unable to find a list of brands of contacts that are authorized at UPT.
I'm commissioning in May 05, been wearing contacts for about 2 years, passed my FC1 (barely w/20/70 L 20/50 R) and I'm about to run out of my contact supply. I'd rather get a checkup and get a new brand of contacts.
I'm gonna be at Andrews for a while at IFT so I'll have some time to get used to them. Any help is much appreciated.
#15 Guest_doctidy_*
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Posted 22 April 2005 - 10:18 AM
Spherical
CSI-EW
Durasoft 3
Hydrasoft XW
Toric
Hydrasoft Toric FW
Hyudrocurve 3 Toric
Sunsoft Eclipse
Sunsoft Toric 15.0
Disposable
Acuvue
Acuvue 2
Acuvue advance
Hydron Biomedics 55 UV
1 day acuvue
focus visiting monthly
frequency 55 EW
frequency 55 aspheric fw
night & Days
soflens 38 system
disposable toric
acuvue toric
biomedics toric
focus toric
frequency 55 toric FW
hydrasoft toric FW
CSI-EW
Durasoft 3
Hydrasoft XW
Toric
Hydrasoft Toric FW
Hyudrocurve 3 Toric
Sunsoft Eclipse
Sunsoft Toric 15.0
Disposable
Acuvue
Acuvue 2
Acuvue advance
Hydron Biomedics 55 UV
1 day acuvue
focus visiting monthly
frequency 55 EW
frequency 55 aspheric fw
night & Days
soflens 38 system
disposable toric
acuvue toric
biomedics toric
focus toric
frequency 55 toric FW
hydrasoft toric FW
#16 Guest_Salukipilot2685_*
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Posted 10 May 2005 - 12:24 PM
I just recently read that the Navy just developed a new soft-lense contacts policy that allows pilots with vision up to 20/400 to wear soft-contacts and still be able to fly. I was just wondering if anyone knows if AF is planning on making (if they already haven't) changes to the medical standards to allow AF pilots to do the same?
#17 Guest_doctidy_*
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Posted 10 May 2005 - 05:47 PM
The AF allows pilots to wear contacts w/ 20/400 vision and fly as long as they are corrected to 20/20 near and distant. Astygmatism cannot be greater than 2.00 diopters. The full contact lens policy is at attachment 17 of AFI 48-123.
If you are talking about relaxing the vision requirements for Flying Class I (initial pilot qualification)...I attended the last Aircrew Standards Board in April as well as the Aeromedical Corporate Board meeting 2 days ago. Ophthalmology made no recommendation at that time to change Flying Class I standards.
If you are talking about relaxing the vision requirements for Flying Class I (initial pilot qualification)...I attended the last Aircrew Standards Board in April as well as the Aeromedical Corporate Board meeting 2 days ago. Ophthalmology made no recommendation at that time to change Flying Class I standards.
#18
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Gray Beard
Posted 15 November 2005 - 10:57 AM
I have a waiver for excessive astigmatism in my right eye. I start UPT May 11.
I've done a search, but I can find this specific information. I've found that you CAN wear soft contact lenses as UPT, but nothing very specific.
Anyway, I have never worn glasses or contacts. I still don't. Brooks said I must wear correction to perform flying duties, so I'd much rather get on the Soft Contact Lense program than wear glasses through UPT.
How do I go about doing this? I know you must wear them for six months prior, which won't be a problem if I do it now.. But how do I prove I've been wearing them?
Also, what are the best soft contacts for astigmatism? CAn I just take the numbers from my FC1 to a glasses/contact place and get it filled?
Thanks!
[ 15. November 2005, 09:59: Message edited by: CrashA10 ]
I've done a search, but I can find this specific information. I've found that you CAN wear soft contact lenses as UPT, but nothing very specific.
Anyway, I have never worn glasses or contacts. I still don't. Brooks said I must wear correction to perform flying duties, so I'd much rather get on the Soft Contact Lense program than wear glasses through UPT.
How do I go about doing this? I know you must wear them for six months prior, which won't be a problem if I do it now.. But how do I prove I've been wearing them?
Also, what are the best soft contacts for astigmatism? CAn I just take the numbers from my FC1 to a glasses/contact place and get it filled?
Thanks!
[ 15. November 2005, 09:59: Message edited by: CrashA10 ]
#19 Guest_doctidy_*
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Posted 15 November 2005 - 11:39 AM
Crash:
LOL! Getting contacts (or glasses for that matter) is more than some numbers from your FC1 physical! You can get all that done when you arrive at UPT. I don't know where you get the "six months prior" info. You'll be wearing them in an aircraft in a couple of weeks.
Our (FS) job is to enhance the performance of aircrew. We'll get you to best corrected vision (maybe 20/15) vs the civilian getting you to 20/20. There are only certain types of "toric" contacts (the type used to correct astigmatism) which are authorized for wear. We'll put you in the right ones.
You're in. You've been accepted. Just concentrate on learning and getting ready for UPT...we'll take care of the rest.
LOL! Getting contacts (or glasses for that matter) is more than some numbers from your FC1 physical! You can get all that done when you arrive at UPT. I don't know where you get the "six months prior" info. You'll be wearing them in an aircraft in a couple of weeks.
Our (FS) job is to enhance the performance of aircrew. We'll get you to best corrected vision (maybe 20/15) vs the civilian getting you to 20/20. There are only certain types of "toric" contacts (the type used to correct astigmatism) which are authorized for wear. We'll put you in the right ones.
You're in. You've been accepted. Just concentrate on learning and getting ready for UPT...we'll take care of the rest.
#20
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Gray Beard
Posted 15 November 2005 - 01:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Rage_:P:
Crash:
LOL! Getting contacts (or glasses for that matter) is more than some numbers from your FC1 physical!
Crash:
LOL! Getting contacts (or glasses for that matter) is more than some numbers from your FC1 physical!
Quote
You can get all that done when you arrive at UPT. I don't know where you get the "six months prior" info. You'll be wearing them in an aircraft in a couple of weeks.
Quote
Our (FS) job is to enhance the performance of aircrew. We'll get you to best corrected vision (maybe 20/15) vs the civilian getting you to 20/20. There are only certain types of "toric" contacts (the type used to correct astigmatism) which are authorized for wear. We'll put you in the right ones.
Quote
You're in. You've been accepted. Just concentrate on learning and getting ready for UPT...we'll take care of the rest.
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