Does anyone know if lasik is allowed before enlisting, and if not is there a certain amount of time you must wait? (I was reading over basic requirements to join the Navy and they said in some cases, if you had lasik eye surgery you were disqualified. Then I read that they let one guy in who had it because a certain amount of time had passed.)
2007-04-06 00:18:05 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It would probably depend on the surgery.
Simple Lasik, etc, is certainly OK though it might
disqualify you for some of the higher end jet
pilot positions.
For instance, it is an instant disqualifier for being
an astronaut. Apparently, having a tendency for
roadtripping in a diaper is NOT a disqualifier for
that, however...
2007-04-06 00:22:57 · answer #1 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Air Force performs LASIK surgery on active duty members in certain cases, so I find it hard to believe that the military would not allow someone who had LASIK surgery to enlist. However, any MOS/AFSC that involves flight duty would be a problem -- they don't allow pilots to get LASIK. Something about the procedure makes the eyes more susceptible to injury in depressurization situations and under high G-force conditions, so for pilot safety they do contact lenses instead (except for fighter pilots -- their vision MUST be 20/20 uncorrected).
2007-04-06 00:33:44 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Currently the U.S. Navy does approve PRK for corrective eye surgery. The Navy will perform the surgery free of charge, the wait list is based on your job field. Priority 1 is special forces, Pilots, and anyone that corrective lenses would be a severe distraction while conducting normal work. Priority 2, MA, and other rates that corrective lenses would be a high risk of causing distraction during normal work. Priority 3, all others. The Navy has increased the number of persons it will perform PRK. You have to be screened by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and the request must be approved by your commanding officer or OIC. There is a 5 day convalescent leave authorized after the surgery. There are also several followup visit to the clinic that performed the surgery. After the surgery you are given a pair of very dark lens sunglasses, and you are authorized to wear the sunglasses indoors as the surgery will cause you to be sensitive to light for up to 1 year after surgery. I know I have to wear sunglasses outdoors for now on since I've had my surgery.
2007-04-06 16:56:47 · answer #3 · answered by GIOSTORMUSN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Navy has much stricter medical requirements than the other branches of the military do. For instance, the Navy doesn't allow enlistment of anyone who has ever been treated for asthma...but the Army only cares if you can control your asthma and the Air Force only cares about it if you're in a flight position. I tend to think it's because the Navy is putting its personnel in the most diverse set of circumstances, from submarines to airplanes to the Marine Corps to the Aleutians. They don't always have the ability to get immediate medical care to their personnel the way the other branches can.
Lasik would be something they would scrutinize, particularly if the position you're applying for is one that would require sound vision. IMHO you're applying for a job. Get the job first, then deal with the vision correction once you're in. As long as your vision can be corrected with normal means you can enlist. Once you're in and covered by CHAMPUS you can deal with whether you're in a position where they'd have a problem with you getting the problem corrected with Lasik.
2007-04-06 00:33:11 · answer #4 · answered by GenevievesMom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
LASIK is comes under many qualificaions because the flap is considered a less secure means of healing. Something about that flap popping open in high-pressure situations (very unpleasant). Here in the Army, it is not offered as a surgical procedure for that reason; PRK is the default procedure.
Get PRK. That will qualify you for flight school and everything else. By the way, I got my surgery knocked out on my own. Get it done by a reputable surgeon. Do your research.
Good luck.
2007-04-06 01:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you will have to undergo prk surgery and wait a year from the surgery to become a officer in the branch of your choice. After that you are eligible for a waiver which you will most likely revive if the surgery went off without a hitch and no further problems. Either way to become a pilot you need to be in ROTC or a service academy. You should get it done on break of the college or academy of your choice.
2016-04-01 00:20:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to wait for a period of time after the operation. The simply reason is to ensure the that operation was a success. You may need a waiver, but that is up to the individual branch. Your best bet is to talk to your local recruiter. You will be disqualified for certain positions, and maybe certain jobs, depending on which surgery you had.
2007-04-06 01:55:52 · answer #7 · answered by My world 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a lie. You can get lasik surgery while you are in through the Military. If you are in Recon or Snipers, they put you on the head of the list.
2007-04-06 00:54:00 · answer #8 · answered by tonyderieux 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister in law had lasik surgery done while in the Navy.
2007-04-06 02:01:55 · answer #9 · answered by mnwomen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a few guys that had it done while on active duty in the Navy Just run a request chit and make sure that you rate supports the requirment of having it done. or go and get it done in town on your own. its that simple. good luck. The fightin sea bee
2007-04-06 02:42:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋