http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/nmotc/nami/arwg/Documents/Waiver Guide - Ophthalmology 100505.pdf
According to the US Navy Aeromedical Reference and Waiver guide, Ophthalmology, section 12.5:
WAIVER:
PRK General Guidelines:
1.
A waiver may be submitted no earlier than:
a.
3 months for myopia less than -6.00 diopters spherical equivalent (SE)
b.
6 months for myopia greater than or equal to -6.00 diopters SE
c.
6 months for hyperopia (SE) measured under cycloplegia
2.
Visual Acuity - each eye with or without corrective lenses must be:
a.
Class I - 20/20-0/10 letters
b.
Class II and III - 20/20-3/10 letters or better
c.
Corrective lenses must be worn while flying if needed to achieve the VA standard
3.
A normal postoperative slit lamp exam
4.
There must be no symptoms that would be cause for concern when considering the performance of the member’s usual flight duties
5.
If topical medication is still required (other than artificial tears), then restriction of flight activities to the local area would be prudent.
6.
An enhancement or “touch-up” must meet the same guidelines.
Additional guidelines:
Applicants:
1.
May obtain PRK at their expense from civilian sources of care.
2.
Pre-operative refractive error measured under cycloplegia must not exceed - 8.00 to + 3.00 (SE) and 3.00 diopters of cylinder.
3.
Anisometropia should not exceed 3.50 diopters (using SE for each eye).
4.
SNA applicants must meet refractive, cycloplegic, and vision standards postoperatively.
I had my vision checked about 3 weeks ago. I've had my ups and downs with my eyesight, but looks like I'll squeak in with a max refractive error of -7.00 in one eye. From what I gather, I would just have to wait 6 months instead of 3. Also, according to the document, the Navy does have a "LASIK in student aviators" study in progress. Refer to section 12.15B. The LASIK study has the same pre-op limits, but you must be screened at one of the 10 locations conducting the survey after the surgery, not just your civilian post-op checkups. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I don't mean to hijack this thread either.
I also understand that these are guidelines, and NAMI has the final say in the waiver. I'm going to try to do everything I can to make this happen. Thankfully I have another 1-2 years before I graduate so maybe things will change who knows.
