I'd never have trusted my eyes to a military doctor. Exam yes...surgery no!

 

It's so automated now that it doesn't really matter who does it. And to be honest the military does as many procedures(at least in the Navy, that is the case) as the civilian world, so from a proficiency standpoint, its all the same. I was actually very impressed with the level of technology and how professional it was.

Bdger

 

The AF probably ordered a contract for 1.4 billion PRK surgeries at $197,000 a pop until 2025 or something like that.

 

The AF will only allow PRK because of concern that the "flap" cut in the LASIK procedure will come loose under high G. PRK doesn't cut a flap. LASIK may eventually be accepted after a lot more study.

 

Sir,

Do you have a larger copy of that photo used for your avatar? I collect pictures (aviation related) and put them in a photo album for my 2 year old daughter. I'd like to add that if possible.

You can PM me you email address. If its copyrighted - I don't mind paying for it.

Thanks,
LAFF

 

Slipstream from ejections or premeditated parachute jumps are also a concern. Special Operations have the same restriction...in addition to G's there are concerns about blast-overpressure from explosions or slipstreams peeling the flap off. Also any wound is more susceptiple to DCS for divers...just what you need, little nitrogen bubbles under your corneal flap bet that would sting a little

 

Sorry, what does PRK stand for?

 

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is where the surface of the lens is reshaped by a laser burning away part of the lens to correct vision. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a procedure where the lens of the eye is mostly cut off, then flipped over and reshaping is done to the underside and then the "flap" is placed back in position. The advantage of LASIK is much quicker healing with very little or no scar tissue and far less discomfort. PRK required drops to be placed in the eyes for a week or two after the procedure to slow the healing process to prevent scar tissue.

 

U2, you are sorta correct. PRK actually scrapes the outer layer of the cornea, also known as the epithelium, away leaving the exposed cornea to be reshaped by the laser. Not only are drops required, but a soft contact lense is inserted to cover the corneal abrasion created by scraping/brushing the epithelium away. The Navy actually requires steroid drops for 3 months post op, not 1-2 weeks, depending on the amount of correction you had or the pre existing condition. Not sure about the AF but I would guess there is a similar requirement depending on the doc. In my case, there is no scarring and there is according to the Dr, no way for them to see my corrective surgery becuase of those drops. WIN WIN. Just wanted to clarify to those out there that read this. It's not an easy decision, but one well worth it in my case. 20/80 and cheaters to 20/10 in both eyes and far more tallies.

Bdger