Originally Posted by
Pilot41
To answer your question, and not give you the cautionary side, I had Lasik a while back. Have interviewed at a number of airlines, and offered a job at all. It was never an issue, they could care less. They only care if you can pass a first class medical.
I agree that no US airlines would be likely to have an issue with it.
The problem is the risk of LONG TERM complications...if your vision degrades over time you might need further surgery, or might not be able to pass an FAA medical (without a waiver).
I know plenty of folks who have had good luck with the surgery, but I don't know anyone who has gone 30 years post-surgery without complications...and neither does anyone else! There's no long term history on the new stuff, you're the guinea pig!
As a professional pilot (and military guy) I won't do it (maybe when I retire?). If I was employed in a regular job, I probably would.
If you NEED the surgery to qualify for military flying, that is your ultimate dream, and you are otherwise competetive... then consider it. I probably would have back in the day, in those circumstances.
If you're a civilian and can pass the medical now, think twice before slicing up your eyes.