LASIK Eye Surgery and Military Service

To serve in the military, you must be in great physical and mental shape, including having good eye vision. Generally, the military has strict health requirement guidelines that candidates must meet; their enlistment or commission is dependent on their experience, education, and eye test scores. Failing an eye exam is not an option in the military where perfect vision is a necessity for many positions including special ops and airplane pilot.

Fortunately, there are two common waivers for vision correction and both involve laser eye repair.

Corrective eye surgery is now a common procedure that helps millions of people find and maintain their jobs and careers. Science has advanced laser technology, allowing for correction procedures that are safe and effective, even against the high standards of the military.

The two surgeries accepted by the military are LASIK and PRK.

LASIK surgery is a procedure performed on the eyes that corrects the shape of your cornea (the transparent layer forming the front of the eye) to help it bend light properly and create a focused image. This type of operation is known as Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. PRK surgery is a technique intended to correct your vision, reducing your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. This type of operation is known as Photorefractive Keratectomy. It is technically the forerunner to LASIK surgery, but is still a common form of surgery and is accepted by the military after a six-month recovery period and vision review.

Both LASIK and PRK techniques have been performed for decades and have evolved and advanced during this time, producing the best vision correction procedures on the market today. They remain a viable option for many people seeking to enter military service who either wear glasses or have disqualifying vision as both surgeries pass the standards required by military professions. With LASIK and PRK surgery, most patients achieve 20/20 vision, and almost all achieve 20/40 vision or even better. Corrective eye surgery can not only help if you suffer from near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or have astigmatism, but it can also help you get into the military.

This type of surgery can help give you the edge they are looking for.

Laser eye surgery will help you function at a consistently high level in a wide variety of duties and occupations available in the military. Especially while on active duty and working in hostile situations or environments such as adverse weather conditions or at night. Neither prescription eyeglasses nor contact lenses are a reliable form of vision under such extreme circumstances. As a member of the military, you must always be able to work under pressure, and laser eye surgery can help you meet any challenge.

For those who seek a career in the military, but are hindered by or have been disqualified for poor eye vision, LASIK and PRK surgeries may be right for you. The Department of Defense and top military professionals support laser refractive surgery, so it is the right time and the right choice.

Because all branches of the military follow strict standards and guidelines for screening, examining, and performing refractive surgery, plus monitoring post-operation results, it is important you find a qualified doctor to perform LASIK or PRK surgery. A consultation can help you determine what type of surgery is right for you and when you should have the surgery performed.

If you have more questions about LASIK and PRK surgery, for military personnel or otherwise, please contact Diamond Vision today. We’ll get you and your eyes prepared for military service and beyond. For in-person information, visit our Lasik Eye Surgery Center in Atlanta, GA.