Second Visual Acuity Test - Astigmatism

[Whitingorbust]

Well, I found out from NAMI two days prior to commissioning that I have an astigmatism in my left eye of -1.25 which disqualifies me for being designated and SNA. I decided to delay commissioning as an SNFO to get retested, considering I am so close to the limit of -1.00, and when I initially got tested I had only had a couple hours of sleep the night before. I got my new exam coming in a couple of days and was wondering if anyone here was near the limit was able to pass? Any advice on how to prepare? Right now I am just planning on chugging water and trying to get as much sleep as possible. Also, can you use eye drops immediately prior to the exam? Thanks for the help!

 

[feddoc]

Plenty of rest, sunglasses, hydrate, no liquor, no smoking, no aerobic exercise for about 12 hours prior, ...that should do it.

 

[torpedo0126]

the question of eye drops has come up and was never completely resolved (to my knowledge).

I used eye drops while I was waiting for my exam (this was post-PRK though when they were still dry)...no one said anything and I don't believe any documentation said otherwise.

I recommend Systane having tried those, Thera Tears (not sure if thats how you spell it) and one other brand...

 

[feddoc]

I don't know of any current rule prohibiting the use of drops. Seems like it would be pretty well known if it was against protocol.

 

[jtmedli]

the question of eye drops has come up and was never completely resolved (to my knowledge).

I used eye drops while I was waiting for my exam (this was post-PRK though when they were still dry)...no one said anything and I don't believe any documentation said otherwise.

I recommend Systane having tried those, Thera Tears (not sure if thats how you spell it) and one other brand...

I second this post!! Systane and Optive are good stuff. I had the same problem man...exact same problem -1.25 and all.

 

[Whitingorbust]

Thanks all, I picked up some of the preservative free Systane vials and plan on using them tomorrow prior to the exam. From just sucking water the past day or so I have had slightly better vision in both eyes, so hopefully that carries on into tomorrow.

Jtmedli, were you able to get your astigmatism down to -1.00?

Thanks for the advice, will try to post the results when I know.

 

[amr88]

great advise guys
Im getting PRK when i come back from PLC this summer. Damn astigmatism.....

 

[jtmedli]

Thanks all, I picked up some of the preservative free Systane vials and plan on using them tomorrow prior to the exam. From just sucking water the past day or so I have had slightly better vision in both eyes, so hopefully that carries on into tomorrow.

Jtmedli, were you able to get your astigmatism down to -1.00?

Thanks for the advice, will try to post the results when I know.

My right eye is good to go, but my left eye is the only thing holding up my flight physical. I had the PRK redone about 2 weeks ago so we'll see in a few weeks if it's fixed. I think they got me squared away, but PRK being what it is, the healing process is somewhat dynamic over the first month and a half.

The systane and other drops will help, but they won't make it go away completely. I'm never heard the water suggestion. Couldn't hurt though!!

 

[Whitingorbust]

The optometrist I saw in Norfolk got my left eye down to -.75 and right down to -.50 astigmatism, so it looks like sleep and water really helped. I also told her my situation and she helped me out a little bit making sure I knew what she was doing and how my eyes looked. Now I am just trying to argue with NAMI to give me back my SNA designator, which for whatever reason they are reluctant to do. It seems everything I have heard about NAMI on this forum is true and then some.

 

[BarrettRC8]

I'd also suggest wearing sunglasses until the time of testing. My OSO advised me to do this prior to getting evaluated for the SCL Waiver. Any little bit may help.

 

[Krafty1]

so -1.0 is acceptable? I just found out today that I have a slight astigmatism of -1.0 which was correctable to 20/15. FYI my distant vision was 20/25 and near vision was 20/20 which is within limits and I haven't had PRK or any other surgery.


EDIT: Found the limits in a search.

"Refractive Limits: If uncorrected distant visual acuity is less than 20/20 either eye, a manifest refraction must be recorded for the correction required to attain 20/20. If the candidate?s distant visual acuity is 20/20, a manifest refraction is not required. Total myopia may not be greater than -1.50 diopters in any meridian, total hyperopia no greater than +3.00 diopters in any meridian, or astigmatism no greater than -1.00 diopters. The astigmatic correction shall be reported in minus cylinder format."