Can individuals who have had refractive eye surgery become USAF pilots? I'm entering Air Force OTS soon and have a near-perfect PCSM score (98 out of 99) which would virtually guarantee me of a pilot's slot if only I didn't suffer from nearsightedness. I guess my other question would be, could I have this procedure performed by a flight surgeon to have it approved by the USAF?
The thing is, I'm not sure I want to have to settle for a position as a navigator just because of my eyesight, and a lot of current USAF pilots are telling me the same thing.
2006-09-27 05:24:15 · 9 answers · asked by Student 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Check with the Air Force Flight Surgeon...
When I was an Naval Aircrewman: Aviators, NFO's and Aircrewman were prohibited from getting the surgery due to concerns of the risk of the scar-tissue blowing out in the low-pressure of high-altitude.
2006-09-27 05:39:13 · answer #1 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!! YOU CANNOT FLY IN THE AIR FORCE IF YOU HAVE HAD LASIK EYE SURGERY!
The reasoning is that as a pilot you will performing manuevers that are stressful on your body/eyes. Lasik surgery involves making a flap out of the cornea, and at high g's, the result is well, painful. That is why the military conducts PRK (photoretractive keratectomy).
2006-09-27 06:08:38 · answer #2 · answered by Rich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son just joined and we asked virtually the same question. We were told that if he had it done at least 6 weeks prior to enlistments with no complications then they would accept it- if it were performed in the US by licensed LASIK certified surgeons
2006-09-27 15:55:54 · answer #3 · answered by NW_iq_140 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think so...My hubby is a sniper in Iraq and his vision isn't 20/20,Crazy huh? He has not had surgery,They offered it to him for when he returns though. You may have to get a consulation,and be sure it is with the Military Dr.
Good luck,That is what I have always wanted to do,Fly planes,but got married and had kids instead.....challeging all the same. ;>]
2006-09-27 05:30:11 · answer #4 · answered by Holly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you need to have perfect vision uncorrected. Plus, you need to qualify to be an officer to even look into becoming a pilot.
2016-03-27 13:39:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got thrown out of pilot training because a .005 deviation in one eye, so I don't think so.
2006-09-27 05:27:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-06-19 17:35:10 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. the official answer is that the procedure is too new, and they don't know the long-term effects. They also don't know what several Gs will do to your eyes.
2006-09-27 06:07:51 · answer #8 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your best bet is to talk to your recruiter. i know the military pays for the surgery of active duty service members.
2006-09-27 05:26:21 · answer #9 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋