The Eyes have it - All things Vision-related

[singlenginelover]

Hi guys, I have a quick question. So I was medically on track, qualified for everything, for aviation, but then a couple of months ago I got hit in the eye real bad with a ball and was diagnosed with traumatic iritis. My eye is now back to 20/20 vision, and the iritis is gone, but on the ophthalmology guide for iritis it says:
For applicants, waivers may be considered after 24 months from the initial episode; however, a waiver will typically not be considered for any posterior uveitis or for recurrent uveitis of any type.
I graduate from my commissioning program (the academy) in a year, and it’s not flexible, but I still want to go pilot. Anyone have any gouge/ideas on how can apply for the waiver before the 24 month minimum? Will I need to request an exception to policy? Once again my vision is completely back to normal with full 20/20. Thank you!

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hi guys, I have a quick question. So I was medically on track, qualified for everything, for aviation, but then a couple of months ago I got hit in the eye real bad with a ball and was diagnosed with traumatic iritis. My eye is now back to 20/20 vision, and the iritis is gone, but on the ophthalmology guide for iritis it says:
For applicants, waivers may be considered after 24 months from the initial episode; however, a waiver will typically not be considered for any posterior uveitis or for recurrent uveitis of any type.
I graduate from my commissioning program (the academy) in a year, and it’s not flexible, but I still want to go pilot. Anyone have any gouge/ideas on how can apply for the waiver before the 24 month minimum? Will I need to request an exception to policy? Once again my vision is completely back to normal with full 20/20. Thank you!

Being that you’re at the Yard, can you not get an evaluation by an optometrist on base?

 

[singlenginelover]

Being that you’re at the Yard, can you not get an evaluation by an optometrist on base?

From what I’ve heard I can’t get the aviation one until like 6 months after I have my PRK (which will still be like 10 months after my eye injury)

 

[MisterMahogany]

Hey yall, hopefully a short question here. I'm a junior in college and recently received LASIK (~5 months ago). My post LASIK vision in my left eye is perfect 20/15 but my right eye is sitting around 20/30. I know that the standard is 20/20 corrected and 20/40 uncorrected. My question is, is post LASIK no glasses considered uncorrected or corrected vision? From what I've been able to find uncorrected vision refer to a person's vision without any corrective lenses, like glasses or contacts, IE includes post LASIK. Meaning I would be fine but I realy wanted to get some conformation from people much more knowledgeable on this topic. Thank yall very much!!

 

[Mouselovr]

Hey yall, hopefully a short question here.

Should be fine. Uncorrected is without glasses.

If you’re less than 20/20, even with LASIK, they’ll issue you glasses to fly with

 

[Empire16]

BDCP guy here. Saw a post a few months ago about a eye ball topography. Went to get one today. Was told I could possibly have onset keratoconus... not 100% sure though. Going to get a pentacam tomorrow to confirm. Anyone have any experience ? I am supposed to be SNA but, maybe i can redesignate SNFO? Or will I be forced to go to the other designators?

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

BDCP guy here. Saw a post a few months ago about a eye ball topography. Went to get one today. Was told I could possibly have onset keratoconus... not 100% sure though. Going to get a pentacam tomorrow to confirm. Anyone have any experience ? I am supposed to be SNA but, maybe i can redesignate SNFO? Or will I be forced to go to the other designators?

Maybe start by getting an actual/confirmed diagnosis first? You might be able to find out more information, once an actual diagnosis is made, on either the MANMED or NAMI guide.

 

[Empire16]

Will be back tomorrow.

 

[Mouselovr]

BDCP guy here. Saw a post a few months ago about a eye ball topography. Went to get one today. Was told I could possibly have onset keratoconus... not 100% sure though. Going to get a pentacam tomorrow to confirm. Anyone have any experience ? I am supposed to be SNA but, maybe i can redesignate SNFO? Or will I be forced to go to the other designators?

Friend of mine at OCS was diagnosed with keratoconus at his flight physical. Seems, generally, to be a no go for aviators due to risk of vision degeneration.
From what I remember, he had a more "aggressive version" and got surgery for it shortly after diagnosis and hasn't had a problem since. He couldn't be an SNA or NFO. However, the waiver guide is *slightly* vague with applicants.

See page p.237 of the NAMI waiver guide:

"AEROMEDICAL CONCERNS: Keratoconus is a degeneration of the cornea leading to progressive steepening, thinning, and irregular deformation.... WAIVER: Waivers will typically not be considered for applicants with suspected, forme fruste, frank keratoconus, or corneal disease, but may be considered in designated personnel if visual acuity is 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 with spectacles"

 

[Empire16]

Friend of mine at OCS was diagnosed with keratoconus at his flight physical. Seems, generally, to be a no go for aviators due to risk of vision degeneration.
From what I remember, he had a more "aggressive version" and got surgery for it shortly after diagnosis and hasn't had a problem since, however, he couldn't be an SNA or NFO. However, the waiver guide is *slightly* vague with applicants.

See page p.237 of the NAMI waiver guide:

"AEROMEDICAL CONCERNS: Keratoconus is a degeneration of the cornea leading to progressive steepening, thinning, and irregular deformation.... WAIVER: Waivers will typically not be considered for applicants with suspected, forme fruste, frank keratoconus, or corneal disease, but may be considered in designated personnel if visual acuity is 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 with spectacles"

Although not ideal, being able to stay in would be great. Would take any job. SWO has its upsides, Intel would be my #1 pick though. Wouldn't be too upset with anything though. Nervously awaiting for what the future holds lol.

 

[Mouselovr]

Although not ideal, being able to stay in would be great. Would take any job. SWO has its upsides, Intel would be my #1 pick though. Wouldn't be too upset with anything though. Nervously awaiting for what the future holds lol.

Id prep yourself for a no from aviation and be pleasantly surprised if they say yes.
Otherwise, he had zero issues staying in the Navy. He could redes to anything he wanted.

 

[Empire16]

Id prep yourself for a no from aviation and be pleasantly surprised if they say yes.
Otherwise, he had zero issues staying in the Navy. He could redes to anything he wanted.

That’s awesome to hear that he didn’t have to get re selected or anything. If I have this eye problem, I don’t think it’s bad. My vision is great otherwise.
Thank you for the info!

 

[aagmanrelan]

Hello everyone,
I have a vision-related question.
I have already taken the ASTB. I will go to MEPS when I return to the US (I am currently in India for a family visit). I know my eyesight will cause issues at MEPS.
Current uncorrected vision is Left -1.00 (20/50) and right -3.00 (20/200)

Should I only go to MEPS after my vision correction surgery (after the 6-month waiting period), or should I go to MEPS first and let them tell me about my vision, and then go for the surgery?

I am trying to go for SNA if anyone needs further context.

Also, can I get vision correction surgery in India? Has it caused any issues with the Waiver process?
I have gotten a PRK consultation, and the Doctor says I am a fit candidate.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Hello everyone,
I have a vision-related question.
I have already taken the ASTB. I will go to MEPS when I return to the US (I am currently in India for a family visit). I know my eyesight will cause issues at MEPS.
Current uncorrected vision is Left -1.00 (20/50) and right -3.00 (20/200)

Should I only go to MEPS after my vision correction surgery (after the 6-month waiting period), or should I go to MEPS first and let them tell me about my vision, and then go for the surgery?

I am trying to go for SNA if anyone needs further context.

Also, can I get vision correction surgery in India? Has it caused any issues with the Waiver process?
I have gotten a PRK consultation, and the Doctor says I am a fit candidate.

You won't have to tell MEPS they will figure it out. Going now could identify other issues but also cause more headaches. It would be better to get the surgery now and then after the mandatory wait go to MEPS.

As far as surgery in India there are follow ups required after surgery up to 6 months after surgery, probably better to do it when you are home and not trying to jump doctors.

 

[aagmanrelan]

You won't have to tell MEPS they will figure it out. Going now could identify other issues but also cause more headaches. It would be better to get the surgery now and then after the mandatory wait go to MEPS.

As far as surgery in India there are follow ups required after surgery up to 6 months after surgery, probably better to do it when you are home and not trying to jump doctors.

Ahh I see
I will get a consultation from the US as well.
I am concerned about the Price differences.