• Please take a moment and update your account profile. If you have an updated account profile with basic information on why you are on Air Warriors it will help other people respond to your posts. How do you update your profile you ask?

    Go here:

    Edit Account Details and Profile

Pre-op PRK refractive requirements

smn8

New Member
I'm applying to be a SNA and I keep seeing I would be DQed if I don't meet the pre-op refractive limits for my vision which are +3.00 to -8.00 for spherical and less than 3.00D for cylinder. The results from my last eye exam are not within that range, but my OSO said that they don't care about pre-op refractive limits as long it can be corrected to normal through PRK or LASIK and I submit a waiver. I keep seeing sources online say that pre-op limits do matter though, so I'm confused. My doctor said I qualify for both PRK and LASIK, so I think my vision can be fixed to fit the requirements for SNA but would I be DQed since my pre-op refractive limits are not in range despite the outcome of the surgery? If I don't get DQed during OCS, would I be DQed in NAMI for my flight physical? Also, I read that astigmatism needs to be at or below 3.00 diopters. I have astigmatism as well but I don't think it exceeds the limit. My doctor said it can be fixed with PRK or LASIK as well. Please let me know what you guys think.

My eye exam results are
Right eye - spherical: +5.75, cylinder: -3.25, axis: 005
Left eye - spherical: +6.25, cylinder: -3.50, axis: 172
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
I'm applying to be a SNA and I keep seeing I would be DQed if I don't meet the pre-op refractive limits for my vision which are +3.00 to -8.00 for spherical and less than 3.00D for cylinder. The results from my last eye exam are not within that range, but my OSO said that they don't care about pre-op refractive limits as long it can be corrected to normal through PRK or LASIK and I submit a waiver. I keep seeing sources online say that pre-op limits do matter though, so I'm confused. My doctor said I qualify for both PRK and LASIK, so I think my vision can be fixed to fit the requirements for SNA but would I be DQed since my pre-op refractive limits are not in range despite the outcome of the surgery? If I don't get DQed during OCS, would I be DQed in NAMI for my flight physical? Also, I read that astigmatism needs to be at or below 3.00 diopters. I have astigmatism as well but I don't think it exceeds the limit. My doctor said it can be fixed with PRK or LASIK as well. Please let me know what you guys think.

My eye exam results are
Right eye - spherical: +5.75, cylinder: -3.25, axis: 005
Left eye - spherical: +6.25, cylinder: -3.50, axis: 172

Welcome to the forum. Strongly suggest using the search function, particularly in the Doc's Corner / Eye Thread, located here:


You will see a lengthy thread on vision where you can probably find answers/feedback on your question.
 

smn8

New Member
I've looked through multiple threads but there's a mixed response. Some say I should be fine as long I'm within normal limits after PRK, while others disagree. My recruiter says I should be fine after PRK, so I'm planning to get it done soon. I was hoping others who have been through a similar situation could help.
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
I've looked through multiple threads but there's a mixed response. Some say I should be fine as long I'm within normal limits after PRK, while others disagree. My recruiter says I should be fine after PRK, so I'm planning to get it done soon. I was hoping others who have been through a similar situation could help.

Also, if you already went to MEPS - all of your paperwork is sent to Navy Recruiting Command who will determine if you're qualified, including aviation.

If that's the case, ask your recruiter to show you the N3M/N33 letter that qualifies you for Aviation.
 
Top