I encountered the same issue and still waiting the MEPS to schedule my next read, but FYI, here is your golden rule:
2. Excessive Refractive Error (myopia or nearsightedness)
a. Myopia or nearsightedness occurs when light rays are focused in front of the retina rather than on the retina itself. Myopia usually begins in the school years. The growing eye becomes too long, so that the rays of light from distant objects converge before the retina. The condition may develop rapidly in the teenage years so that new glasses are needed every 6 months. It usually finally stabilizes once an individual is in their early 20s. Serious or pathologic nearsightedness may begin with a refractive error of > -8.00 diopters. This occurs in about 1-3 percent of the population and is associated with potentially blinding conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. In addition, individuals with an excessive refractive error usually have a thin retina that can result in a detachment of the retina. Detachment of the retina while on a remote deployment would be a medical emergency not easily treated.
b. Earlier versions of AR 40-501 2-13c(3), Standards of Medical Fitness, states that nearsightedness > –6.75 diopters is disqualifying. Refractive error is located in block #19 on the DD Form 2351, SEP 2000. The total weighed value for refractive error is calculated by using the number listed in the “SPH” block and adding to it ½ of the number present in the adjacent “CYL” block. The sum of these two values is the total refractive error. For example, if the “SPH” number is –7.50 and the “CYL” number is –1.00 the total refractive error is –7.50 + ½(-1.00) or –8.00. Prior to 29 Aug 03, a refractive error of > -6.75 diopters was disqualifying for ROTC and USMA. However, all applicants with a refractive error of < -8.00 diopters were automatically waived by the Command Surgeon. Effective 29 Aug 03, OTSG has changed AR 40-501 to reflect this waiver policy. Therefore, refractive error of > -6.75 but < -8.00 diopters is no longer disqualifying for either ROTC or USMA.
(1) A refractive error between -8.00 and -10.00 may be potentially waived if an ophthalmology (eye surgeon) exam of the retina documents the absence of any abnormal findings such as lattice degeneration, retinal tears, or retinal holes which result from thinning of the retinal area of the eye.
(2) The OTSG Ophthalmology Consultant has recommended that a refractive
error > -10.00 not be waived even if a retinal exam is normal. Waivers for LASIK surgery when the pre-surgery refractive error was > -10.00 diopters will not be approved since although the refractive error has been corrected the underlying risk of a future retinal detachment due to retinal thinning is unchanged by surgery.