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Laser Eye Surgery

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Smitty9285

Registered User
Hello I am a first time poster and I have a question for you guys. Is PRK laser correction surgery the only accepted surgery to be able to become a pilot? Or is LASIK fine too? Also, will it limit what aircraft I would be able to fly? Finally how long must I wait after the surgery before applying for PLC-Aviation?

Any answers are greatly appreciated. By the way my name is Matt but most people just call me Smitty. Thanks again.
 
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WTFover

Arctic Alpha
Well, Smitty, PRK is the only surgery accepted by both the Navy and Marine Corps. It doesn't limit the aircraft you will be able to fly. You should apply right away, or whenever you want to (that'll help with selection). But I don't think they'll select you until it's been six months after surgery and your eyes are stable. Research doctors so you don't get your eyes zapped and have them are jacked up with bad vision.
 
reapergm

reapergm

Member
Smitty

Ok..

I had PRK done in Nov. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is currently the only acceptable (waiverable) surgery by NAMI (Navy aeromed institute). Lasik is currently NOT accepted (DO NOT GET LASIK!!!). LasEk is acceptable.

My PRK was recently given a waiver by BUMED (BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY ). The way it goes is that if you have a pre-op refraction of -5.75 or better, there's a 3 month wait, -6.0 or worse, there is a 6 month wait. I had -6.25 in each eye. After the wait period, you take (or retake) your flight physical. They go through all the pre and post op documentation. They retest your eye (in every possible way imaginable). If you fit the criteria for waivering (see below) you will be "recommended" for waiver by the flight physician. They send the info to BUMED, and then NOMI for waivering and acceptance in the the "study". All in all with Marine OCS, you can be looking at missing a year worth of OCS application. I had applied to OCC 184 last fall, and the earliest I could reapply was this fall... a year later.

From what the flight surgeon said... the PRK surgery is being recommended to all Navy personel. Dont consider Lasik, it will not be approved for a LONG time. I think it was totally worth it. I love seeing better than 20/20 and having the "chance" to fly for the Marines. More questions... let me know...

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/exams.htm#sna

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/ophthalmology.htm#CRS

http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/doem/vision/Navy/hot.asp


http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/index.htm
 
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