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LASIK approved for Naval Aviators 7 May 08

sifu dinan

Registered User
maybe I'm not reading it correctly but I can't find anything in that link that confirms it :confused: is there another resource that unequivocally states this as fact? I'm not doubting your conversation or anything but when I relayed this information to someone else he said he didn't buy it until he saw something concrete :eek:
 

a_m

Still learning how much I don't know.
None
I believe it's being tested on 100 pilots and 200 nfos currently.
 

Rearden

So what's broken on this jet today, Chief?
None
Call NAMI.

If you want to go med down, don't call them yourself, have someone who actually has some pull do it, like a flight doc or something. NAMI has f*&^## way too many people.
 

wink

War Hoover NFO.
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Now that this has gone several post I want to highlight something for the wannabes only mentioned above. We have not confirmed that LASIK is approved for OCS/BDCP applicants! There are different rules for active duty and winged aviators. If you are coming in off the street applying for OCS/BDCP go with what your recruiter says before you get your eyes cut. It is very possible LASIK will not be approved for applicants until they get more data. Even though NAMI is ok with it, it can take months to filter down to Recruiting Command and have all the instructions changed.
 

Mustang83

Professional back-seat driver
None
Just wanted to point out (if it hasn't been already) LASEK (with an e) is the same as PRK. LASIK is very different
 

bmw1980

New Member
How about a copy of the message that would have obviously been sent out saying LASIK is approved? Or something official? Everyone gets spun up on all these rumors, but I see my Flight Doc every day in the hallway and I ask him at least once a month if there is any updates. So far he hasnt heard anything....thats not to say it isnt approved, I would just like to see something official!
 

a-6intruder

Richard Hardshaft
None
I went in to have Lasik done by the surgeon @ Portsmouth Naval and ended up getting PRK. She said I was a good candidate for either procedure and since I was not flying g-aircraft anymore, there really was no reason to get PRK and go through all the pain and delayed recovery as compared to Lasik which is pretty much no pain and immediate (24 hour) recovery. Lasik (theoretically) can have some risk of the flap getting jarred loose w/ g-loading, direct contact (punch in the eye), etc.

So I figured why go through the pain and opted for Lasik. Day of the surgery they stick me under the laser machine, immobilize my eyeball, and get ready to laze the flap cut when the machine fails some BIT check. 20 minutes of troubleshooting later they realize Laski wont be happening that day, and offer to either reschedule all 15 of us or do PRK (PRK uses one laser; Lasik uses two different lasers - one for the flap, and the PRK laser to reshape the cornea). About half reschedule, the rest of us go w/ the PRK.

Procedure was quick. The doc kept saying that in about 36 hours I would wish I had no eyeballs the pain would be so intense. Big take away was to be diligent in taking the pain meds because if you didn't, the pain would overcome you and the meds would not be able to catch up.

Bottom line, I had no pain. On the scale from 1 to 10, I was zero. At worst, it felt like I was wearing a slightly dirty contact lens. I don't consider myself a stoic or high threshold for pain, but there was none. I told them I thought they sort of overplayed the pain factor and she just said you wouldn't believe how as many people say it didn't hurt as say they almost killed themselves the pain was so intense. So they hedge their bets.

It has been two weeks. I put in a full day the day of the surgery - went out to lunch, took a short nap, then went to a volleyball game and home. Pretty much the same the next day. Day three I went to work (almost pointless as I was blind much of the day) and drove home that night - really dumb as the halos were like I had been in a chlorinated pool for 12 hours.

Today I am 20/20 and will probably get better. No haloing or starburst at night.

If offered the choice, don't discount PRK unless you are a real sissy for pain or don't think you can follow simple directions on when to take your medications.
 

scoolbubba

Brett327 gargles ballsacks
pilot
Contributor
How about a copy of the message that would have obviously been sent out saying LASIK is approved? Or something official? Everyone gets spun up on all these rumors, but I see my Flight Doc every day in the hallway and I ask him at least once a month if there is any updates. So far he hasnt heard anything....thats not to say it isnt approved, I would just like to see something official!


Here's the most official NAMI eye waiver guide. Scroll to 12.15 or so to look at corneal refractive surgery waivers.

http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/nomi.../pdfs/Waiver Guide - Ophthalmology 080624.pdf

LASIK study is underway for designated Naval Aviators. SNA's, applicants, and anyone else who thinks they want to fly but don't have wings, who then go and get LASIK are up shit's creek without the proverbial paddle, as it is non-waiverable right now.
 

jarhead2b

New Member
LASIK for SNAs

If it helps at all, according to someone I talked to involved with the previous study for LASIK there is some pilot program being conducted soon to approve this for SNAs as well. I was told they would be looking for test canidates from OCs through newly winged aviators. If anyone has any extra info on this it would be greatly appreciated. Currently my officer accession counselor is trying to turn some stones and acquire details.
 

scoolbubba

Brett327 gargles ballsacks
pilot
Contributor
I'm one signature away from being in the LASIK study. It is open only to designated naval aviators, so once I go back to TW-4 pool I will be eligible to get them fixed. They are up and running in San Diego and Portsmouth right now. I'll keep the board posted on my progress thru the hoops.
 
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