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PRK with unstable vision

Jermaine

New Member
Hello guys, it has been my dream to be a naval aviator for some time now, however my vision has not been stable in the slightest, and I am nearing the age limit (just about 25 now) for aviation. Do any of you know if getting PRK gives some stability to your eyesight for atleast several years? (and then getting another procedure x years down the line?) Or am I quite simply SOL in this pursuit.
 

nycam12

New Member
PRK surgery does not stabilize changing vision, it simply corrects your current vision by reshaping the cornea to focus light differently. Any surgeon will tell you that your vision should be stable for about two years before the procedure. Otherwise, it could be corrected to 20/20 but continue changing and you will have gone through a risky and expensive procedure and still end up with crappy vision. I can tell you that you are not SOL...you can become an NFO (a naval aviator). Keep in mind that even if you get the surgery, that does not mean you will become a pilot. I had PRK in May, high ASTB scores, good GPA, etc. all in hopes of getting selected for pilot but was recently selected for flight officer. And you know what? I'm still going to pin on wings and go flying. Don't give up on naval aviation, there are plenty of jobs out there.
 

statesman

Shut up woman... get on my horse.
pilot
Jermaine,

Nycam is not a doctor. Neither am I. There are a few on this board, but none of them are opthomologists as far as I know. I had PRK and part of the prescreening did talk about stabilized vision, but you're going to want a doctor to tell you that youre not a candidate. Don't take it on anyones word.

Find a surgeon in your area and go talk to them. Usually the screening is free, so you might as well take the time to get professional advice.
 

Jermaine

New Member
I have done this already. I have been going every 6 months to two different clinics for vision exams to check for stability for nigh four years now. One of the clinics would perform the surgery, the other is steadfast and has a policy of maximum change of .25 diopters in myopia and astigmatism per 6 month period. As it stands now my changes have been a rather static .5 diopters of astigmatism and .25 diopters of myopia per eye (and in some cases my myopia was static or receded). for several years, and I would not be able to maintain the 20/40 standard for the next 2-3 years necessary to get winged.
 

statesman

Shut up woman... get on my horse.
pilot
Well if you already have your answer there is little that can be done.

You can go all the way until 27 so if your eyes calm down in the next two years you still have a chance. As said above being an NFO is an option. And there are NFOs who transition to pilot, so that maybe an option later down the road. I will say this if I wasn't a pilot I would rather be an NFO than not be in Naval Aviation at all.
 
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