kp2001
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2006
- Messages
- 2,243
It is my understading that LASIK is still not approved as a corrective procedure by NAVY but is still under review because of the corneal flap coincident with the surgery. Study is not conclusive regarding corneal flap detaching during high G's for pilots or flight officers or detached flap while at sea without access to an eye surgeon. The current approved procedure is PRK and is done at Bathesda for those qualified MIDS during their last couple of years (like after vision stabilises after about 20 or 21 years of age during firstie year). That would be after 2 for 7 but I don't think that is a requirement only the age and physical maturity. Busses run up to Bathesda for surgery and then back and forth for further evaluation. 20/200 is pretty bad and usually considered visually impaired without correction. I don't think any 20/200 would ever be considered as a pilot. But then again I have seen some really blind pilots as a bartender in the O Club. Then again that was quite a few years ago. I know they are a lot better now.
Please read my above posts in regards to LASIK in Naval Aviation.
Currently the Navy standards (not necessarily what is available at USNA) is:
Pilot Applicant: PRK: Approved
LASIK: Approved with some restrictions
Naval Flight Officer Applicant: PRK: Approved
LASIK: Approved
Designated Pilot(ie "winged"): PRK: Approved. LASIK: approved, but must be done at one of the designated study sites
Designated NFO: PRK & LASIK both approved at any Naval facility
Again, before any Naval Aviation applicant undergoes said procedures they should discuss with either NAMI or a local Naval Flight Surgeon.
Please everyone, for the love of god, the rules have changed, please do not pass on the bad gouge that LASIK is automatically out. That is not the case anymore, but there are certain restrictions so talk with a flight surgeon or NAMI before going that route.