Several years ago an ANG unit was considering me for a flying position, but my eyesight didn't meet their requirements. They had me consult with their eye doctor, and he gave me the following advice:

If I had a non-flying career and was interested in flying solely for the military, take the chance with the PRK surgery. If I ended up only being able to see 20/25, or had trouble with night vision - as a regular non-flying person, I wouldn't be very affected by it in day-to-day life. Therefore, it would be worth the risk.

However, if I also wanted a flying career as a civilian (which was the case), he advised me not to jeopardize my chances of being able to pass a 1st Class Medical, in the event that the surgery didn't turn out perfectly. He said the chances were good that everything would turn out great, but why take the risk, when I'm able to pass a 1st Class Medical now. He also mentioned that if the military accepted LASIK, he would be less inclined to dissuade me, because he believed PRK surgery was too crude of a method in correcting eyesight.

Reluctantly, I had to agree with his judgement, and I passed up the opportunity to fly for the military. Glasses and contact lenses are a pain, but at least I still get to fly airplanes. I know of pilots who have had LASIK and swear by the results - I'm just not willing to take the chance in risking my whole career over an unnecessary procedure. If you decide to go for it - good luck!!!!