This question is for the Doc or anyone who might have insight on the matter. I know this is probably an unusual first post, but I have been reading AW for many years and have always found the answers to my questions until now. I am a SNA select from the NOV 2010 board with a OCS class date of 04 DEC 2011.
Background: My issue concerns my right pupil/iris, which was struck with a projectile over 17 years ago. As a result, the iris is split and when the pupil contracts in that eye, it is unable to "shrink" (for lack of a better term) as much as the the other eye. My vision is 20/20 in both eyes and i have no other conditions or issues with my eyes or vision. The MEPS doctors examined my records and the eye and had no problem with it, thus i received my FS. I also presented my ophthalmologist with a copy of NOMI's standards and he felt there was no cause for concern unless they took issue with the split iris and enlarged pupil.
After spending significant time reading through the Manual of the Medical Department, there was only one section that seemed to potentially pose the threat of a disqualification for the condition:
15-34 (8) (f): Currant loss of normal pupillary reflex, reactions to accommodation (367.5) or light (379.4) including Adie's Syndrome is disqualifying.
Note that this section contains requirements for all Commissioned personnel. I was unable to find any further requirements (about pupil/iris conditions) in the sections pertaining to SNA's.
First question: Does my condition fit into this category? Obviously the size and shape of my pupil is different in that eye, but the iris still contracts when light is introduced. After researching Adie's Syndrome I discovered it is simply a case where the iris fails to respond to changes in light.
Second question: If it does, is this something that lends itself to being waiverable? My ophthalmologist informed me that a surgery could correct the condition to a certain degree as they would essentially rejoin the iris where it is split (making my pupil round again). He also informed me that he saw no need to do such an operation as it does not effect my vision at all.
Thank you very much for any information on this matter. I know this issue is very specific, but I am hoping either a Doc or someone on these boards has an idea of what issues i might face down the road.
Background: My issue concerns my right pupil/iris, which was struck with a projectile over 17 years ago. As a result, the iris is split and when the pupil contracts in that eye, it is unable to "shrink" (for lack of a better term) as much as the the other eye. My vision is 20/20 in both eyes and i have no other conditions or issues with my eyes or vision. The MEPS doctors examined my records and the eye and had no problem with it, thus i received my FS. I also presented my ophthalmologist with a copy of NOMI's standards and he felt there was no cause for concern unless they took issue with the split iris and enlarged pupil.
After spending significant time reading through the Manual of the Medical Department, there was only one section that seemed to potentially pose the threat of a disqualification for the condition:
15-34 (8) (f): Currant loss of normal pupillary reflex, reactions to accommodation (367.5) or light (379.4) including Adie's Syndrome is disqualifying.
Note that this section contains requirements for all Commissioned personnel. I was unable to find any further requirements (about pupil/iris conditions) in the sections pertaining to SNA's.
First question: Does my condition fit into this category? Obviously the size and shape of my pupil is different in that eye, but the iris still contracts when light is introduced. After researching Adie's Syndrome I discovered it is simply a case where the iris fails to respond to changes in light.
Second question: If it does, is this something that lends itself to being waiverable? My ophthalmologist informed me that a surgery could correct the condition to a certain degree as they would essentially rejoin the iris where it is split (making my pupil round again). He also informed me that he saw no need to do such an operation as it does not effect my vision at all.
Thank you very much for any information on this matter. I know this issue is very specific, but I am hoping either a Doc or someone on these boards has an idea of what issues i might face down the road.
