[PRK and LASIK Information]

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?

[PRK and LASIK Information]

Getting treated at a young age doesn't make you more prone to problems, it's just that your eyes may still be changing in power and you'll be back in glasses or contacts again if that happens. Not the ideal situation.

To clarify: The AF will treat pilots (or any other aircrew position) with PRK or LASIK. Pilots can wear glasses or contacts and about 40% currently do- true for fighters, tankers, bombers, etc. The requirement to have "perfect" vision to be a pilot went out the window about 30 years ago, give or take a few.

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!

[PRK and LASIK Information]

Speaking in Air Force terms (not real familiar with other branches, but would assume they're similar):

1. Absolutely no issues with going to a civilian doc- most don't have any other choice. But, the AF would never recommend either a doctor or which procedure- LASIK vs. PRK.

2. I personally wouldn't because I still haven't, even though I'm completely dependent on glasses. Nothing wrong with the procedure, just too lazy and unmotivated to do anything about it. However, I wouldn't discourage it either. If you need the surgery to be PPQ, then I would encourage. If that's not the case, I might suggest several things to consider: a) You do introduce a very SLIGHT risk of having a complication and not getting a waiver, b) You're getting it done at a fairly young age. Generally I could recommend waiting until mid to late 20's as lots of eyes don't stabilize until then and c) the AF will give it to you for free if you wait (albeit it's not always easy).

3. I am not aware that there are any mandated waiting periods after PRK/LASIK for the FAA. However, I work in the military environment so that's not gospel. But the times I've been exposed to the private site it's just a matter of whether you can pass the test. They don't care whether you've had surgery, wear contacts, glasses, etc. Just read the chart.

Just to add something about the age...my comments about being 21 in a previous post refer only to procedures done by the military. We've seen guys get surgery much younger when done civilian and it's not viewed as an issue when you process through the physical.

Glad to help. Just want to make sure folks get accurate feedback.

GD

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.

[PRK and LASIK Information]

First off, unless you are eligible for military medical care (e.g. a dependent) then they won't be able to do anything for you. Even if you are eligible for care, many (most?) ANG/AFRC units are hurting for optometrists and you'd be hard pressed to get them to see you for an elective procedure.

The reason for getting the surgery early is that it can be difficult to find time to get it done once you complete UPT. Some guys wait many years before such a window exists.

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.

[PRK and LASIK Information]

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?