USN PRK pre-op limits for civilians

[BuzzRickson]

I’m looking for a little clarification on the NAMI waiver guide and it’s requirements regarding PRK surgery.

The guide (attached a screenshot) lists the pre-op refractive limits for SNA’s under “applicants”, but then also lists separate limits under “Class I, II, III, and IV” for both PRK and LASIK. For PRK it states “no limit (must be performed at a DOD refractive surgery center)”. This is a little confusing to me as it seems to imply that PRK is disqualifying unless done by specifically by the military. Or is the guide merely stating that unless the surgery is done by the military, the applicant will be required to meet the normal refractive limits? I’m a civilian applicant but need PRK (not eligible for LASIK) to qualify.

 

[UInavy]

I’m looking for a little clarification on the NAMI waiver guide and it’s requirements regarding PRK surgery.

The guide (attached a screenshot) lists the pre-op refractive limits for SNA’s under “applicants”, but then also lists separate limits under “Class I, II, III, and IV” for both PRK and LASIK. For PRK it states “no limit (must be performed at a DOD refractive surgery center)”. This is a little confusing to me as it seems to imply that PRK is disqualifying unless done by specifically by the military. Or is the guide merely stating that unless the surgery is done by the military, the applicant will be required to meet the normal refractive limits? I’m a civilian applicant but need PRK (not eligible for LASIK) to qualify.

View attachment 33878

Just use the left column and listed limits as an applicant. The right column is for already ‘designated’ military aviators.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

I’m looking for a little clarification on the NAMI waiver guide and it’s requirements regarding PRK surgery.

The guide (attached a screenshot) lists the pre-op refractive limits for SNA’s under “applicants”, but then also lists separate limits under “Class I, II, III, and IV” for both PRK and LASIK. For PRK it states “no limit (must be performed at a DOD refractive surgery center)”. This is a little confusing to me as it seems to imply that PRK is disqualifying unless done by specifically by the military. Or is the guide merely stating that unless the surgery is done by the military, the applicant will be required to meet the normal refractive limits? I’m a civilian applicant but need PRK (not eligible for LASIK) to qualify.

View attachment 33878

Since you are a civilian when it comes to medical issues you first need to consult the Navy Medical Manual as that determines if you can even enter the USN, once you are past that hurdle then the NAMI guide comes into play. In this case they actually line up when it comes to pre operation diopter limits, before it didn't and applicants that were outside the limits didn't get to the NAMI guide.

The USN can waive the Medical Manual limits and go with NAMI limits if they want, but they rarely ever do as there is always an applicant that is just around the corner that doesn't need a waiver from entry to NAMI.

 

[FloridaDad]

So I just reviewed this info and looked at my last eye exam pre-LASIK and I'm fine (also gathering all the proper paperwork needed for MEPS and such)... but my gosh I wish my recruiter had given me this exact info before I got the surgery because I would hate to find out that the surgery was for nothing. Thankfully I'm good.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

So I just reviewed this info and looked at my last eye exam pre-LASIK and I'm fine (also gathering all the proper paperwork needed for MEPS and such)... but my gosh I wish my recruiter had given me this exact info before I got the surgery because I would hate to find out that the surgery was for nothing. Thankfully I'm good.

unfortunately some do not.

 

[gteenman]

So I have some questions about lasik/prk and Naval aviators. So let's say someone has bad eyesight but meets the requirements of the corneal refractive surgery requirements (Refractive limits, ansiometropia).

But does not meet the requirements of the SNA standards (pre-op), but after lasik/prk would meet the SNA requirements

Would he have a chance at all? I mean if someone does not have 20/40 (pre-op), is he disqualified and cannot be saved by surgery?
Or if he meets the requirements for refractive surgery (+3.00 to -8.00 SE, Cylinder: ≤ 3.00D, Anisometropia ≤ 3.50D) can he be qualified after getting lasik/prk and be saved?
I don't fully understand, could someone help me out?
Thanks (I searched around the forums but could not find my answer)

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

So I have some questions about lasik/prk and Naval aviators. So let's say someone has bad eyesight but meets the requirements of the corneal refractive surgery requirements (Refractive limits, ansiometropia).
View attachment 42062
But does not meet the requirements of the SNA standards (pre-op), but after lasik/prk would meet the SNA requirements
View attachment 42064
Would he have a chance at all? I mean if someone does not have 20/40 (pre-op), is he disqualified and cannot be saved by surgery?
Or if he meets the requirements for refractive surgery (+3.00 to -8.00 SE, Cylinder: ≤ 3.00D, Anisometropia ≤ 3.50D) can he be qualified after getting lasik/prk and be saved?
I don't fully understand, could someone help me out?
Thanks (I searched around the forums but could not find my answer)

There's an entire NAMI / eye forum on this page. You probably can easily find your answer there.