HawkJ2010

Yeah I got it. Just a rule of thumb kind of thing. I'm not 100% with my vision I think I may be 20/70 but if I am 20/70+ I cannot get a waiver for that, correct? Even if its like 20/80?

Well the eye doc will be able to determine if my eyes have stablized, correct? I'd hate to drop 5k to get my eyes corrected for a year and then maybe have to do it all over again shortly. I hope my vision will get to 20/70 on its own!

Well I'll be going to get my FC1 soon for my PPL and to see how well I qualify towards getting a full military first class physical. Now the number one concern I have is my age as I am fairly young. Do you have statistics that show the younger you are the more prone you are to post-op issues? Or is it dependent upon everyone's eyes? I am 19 and getting closer to 20 but I am nowhere near your suggested age of mid to late 20's. However, as I am approaching my last year in college I figure I should get PRK done now so when jumping from college to the ANG there will be no extra time gap other than the 2/3 years to get to UPT. (If I did it this summer I would have my 1 year post-op completed around the same time as my B.S. What do you mean "if you wait long enough the AF will do it for free" I was under the impression that if you wanted to be a pilot you needed the eyesight corrected prior to upt because there is no flying with corrective lenses allowed. That goes for tankers too, right? I will probably end up going with PRK as that has been the standard for many fighter slots in the ANG because of the whole corneal flap and ejection seat situation. As for now I just have to wait and see who my AME refers me to and find an additional 5k... anyone want to spot me a few bones? Thanks goducks for the correct and accurate information.

Thanks Goducks... a few more questions to add to that Does the military frown upon you getting the surgery done by a civilian doctor? Or do you think that they might even recommend a great surgeon for me? Would YOU (personally) get corrective eye surgery before your full military physical or would you discourage that? I am just trying to look at this from a "time-saving" perspective because I know you need 1 year post-op before going to upt. Although I am young and do have some time. Hypothetically speaking if I did go through with PRK before this summer does that effect flying civilian and getting my PPL as well(still working on complete that)? Thanks for all of these questions that you or anyone will be able to answer. I have been using the search function that is recommended to us new guys but still couldnt find the exact answers I was looking for. I am very eager to use my young age at an advantage but being too young may hurt me from getting PRK done. Anyways. Thanks again. Much appreciated.

I have seen that many of you suggest getting LASIK/PRK before applying for a UPT slot. However, can you apply at a Guard unit and let them take care of the pre-surgery for you through the military? Or should I see a civilian doctor and get my eyesight problems taken care of before even thinking about applying?