Lasik/PRK

[kacraven]

I just talked to a Navy recruiter and he said that Lasik is now waiverable for flying with the Navy as well as PRK. Is this the same story for the CG? Thanks!

 

[Aggie08]

I wouldnt trust a recruiter on that at all. Get in touch with the closest NAMI branch and get a flight surgeon's word on that. Last time I heard, Lasik was waiverable (within certain parameters) for enlisted aircrew but not pilots. You never know, he may be right! But you better be sure.

 

[torpedo0126]

Knowing what I know now and after undergoing the PRK procedure, I would STILL take PRK over LASIK. The results w/ Wavefront are the same if not better than LASIK AND--the biggest thing--your eye structure is not permanently weaked.

 

[srqwho]

Knowing what I know now and after undergoing the PRK procedure, I would STILL take PRK over LASIK. The results w/ Wavefront are the same if not better than LASIK AND--the biggest thing--your eye structure is not permanently weaked.

I second that. My doc argued that PRK (with his patients) tended to produce better results long term. The recovery blows, but is well worth it.

 

[RyanF]

They do, but only for designated aviators (ie winged folks), not applicants.

See the NOMI aeromedical "Ophthalmology" waiver guide, section 12.15A:
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navme...Pages/AeromedicalReferenceandWaiverGuide.aspx

 

[kacraven]

So I take it the Coast Guard falls under the jurisdiction of NOMI when it comes to waivers/medical issues?

 

[TwinsFan]

Knowing what I know now and after undergoing the PRK procedure, I would STILL take PRK over LASIK. The results w/ Wavefront are the same if not better than LASIK AND--the biggest thing--your eye structure is not permanently weaked.

My doctor who performed my Wavefront PRK said the same thing. He liked the longterm results and the stength that PRK offered. In addition to that, you KNOW they will take PRK as a procedure.

In my case, the procedure left me in annoying pain for a week or two. But that was well worth it for the excellent results 4 months out so far.

 

[Brunes]

So I take it the Coast Guard falls under the jurisdiction of NOMI when it comes to waivers/medical issues?

Not under the jurisdiction- We have our own medical manuals and requirements. But they do VERY closely match NOMI/DOD requirements.

To go thru flight school- You have to meet NOMI and CG requirements...but the CG will approve your medical status first and then NOMI gets to take a look.

 

[kacraven]

Ok thanks for all the info!