Hello,
I have a-couple of questions regarding PRK/LASIK as a non-prior attempting to get selected in the Air Force as a pilot.
Timing of Surgery
Unfortunately, as it stands, my refractive error is just -0.25 diopters (-3.25 | -2.75) out of the waiver-able range for myopia (-3.0) and thus I am forced to get LASIK/PRK if I desire to become a pilot. It is my understanding that although they did away with the necessary refractive eye correction surgery waiver, you still must wait 6-Months post-op to go to MEPs/FC1 (If selected).
Since it is relatively early in the 20OT02 board timeline, I was wondering if it would possible to go to MEPs and receive medical clearance (eye sight falls within DoD standards), then to go get PRK/LASIK shortly after; essentially placing the 6-Months required post-op between your MEPs appointment and FC1 (if selected).
In the method above one would be able to apply for an earlier board due to placing LASIK/PRK after MEPs (eg, September) but within 6 months of even selection (March) and most certainly prior to an FC1.
I tried reading the waiver guide and whatever I could find online, however it wasn't clear if it would be allowed to do this.
Variations in Surgery Procedure
After reviewing the various types of surgery procedures LASIK and PRK, it would appear that PRK would be the more commonly chosen option due not creating a flap.
However, I also read about LASIK 'SMILE' and was wondering if this was approved for the Air Force. It was not specifically listed in the waiver guide (PG 726) however I was curious to see if anyone knew about its approval/classification.
Thanks!
