Past Eye Condition + Age - Do I even have a shot?

[fairlyintrigued]

Hi all,

I've always wanted to join the military, but I had terrible eyesight growing up. As a result, once I was eligible for LASIK (when I was 19), I had it done. I didn't do much research on it (idiotically), and didn't look into PRK or anything like that. After my LASIK procedure, I developed moderate dry eye and redness in both eyes. It has been a persistent mild problem ever since, but two months ago I finally saw a new corneal specialist, who gave me this new procedure and finally fixed the problem.

I know that eye problems are a huge thing for aviation, and even though I've finally got everything fixed, will my medical history disqualify me from becoming a pilot? Further, I am now 25 years old, which I know is getting close to the limit for naval aviation (though I'm not sure about Air Force - pretty sure that's older, correct?). So, do I have any chance at all of getting selected? I have not taken the ASTB yet, but I do have multiple degrees (2 BAs + JD) from Ivy League schools (not sure if that helps).

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[Renegade One]

If the eye thing DQs you for pilot, would becoming an NFO intrigue you as well? In any event, while waiting for folks to chime in here, you should contact a Navy Officer Programs recruiter and start the application/testing process.

Your chances for anything here are always ZERO if you don't apply. Cheers...

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Hi all,

I've always wanted to join the military, but I had terrible eyesight growing up. As a result, once I was eligible for LASIK (when I was 19), I had it done. I didn't do much research on it (idiotically), and didn't look into PRK or anything like that. After my LASIK procedure, I developed moderate dry eye and redness in both eyes. It has been a persistent mild problem ever since, but two months ago I finally saw a new corneal specialist, who gave me this new procedure and finally fixed the problem.

I know that eye problems are a huge thing for aviation, and even though I've finally got everything fixed, will my medical history disqualify me from becoming a pilot? Further, I am now 25 years old, which I know is getting close to the limit for naval aviation (though I'm not sure about Air Force - pretty sure that's older, correct?). So, do I have any chance at all of getting selected? I have not taken the ASTB yet, but I do have multiple degrees (2 BAs + JD) from Ivy League schools (not sure if that helps).

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

There are some things that are an issue with one service but not the other, and there are some items that it is hard to make a call on until the doctor looks at the documents, this may be one of those things.

One thing to be concerned about is the how bad was your eyesight? they look at pre-surgery eyesight as well, and they look at it in terms of diopters.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hi all,

I've always wanted to join the military, but I had terrible eyesight growing up. As a result, once I was eligible for LASIK (when I was 19), I had it done. I didn't do much research on it (idiotically), and didn't look into PRK or anything like that. After my LASIK procedure, I developed moderate dry eye and redness in both eyes. It has been a persistent mild problem ever since, but two months ago I finally saw a new corneal specialist, who gave me this new procedure and finally fixed the problem.

I know that eye problems are a huge thing for aviation, and even though I've finally got everything fixed, will my medical history disqualify me from becoming a pilot? Further, I am now 25 years old, which I know is getting close to the limit for naval aviation (though I'm not sure about Air Force - pretty sure that's older, correct?). So, do I have any chance at all of getting selected? I have not taken the ASTB yet, but I do have multiple degrees (2 BAs + JD) from Ivy League schools (not sure if that helps).

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

What did your recruiter say when you asked them these questions?