Skygirl

Hmmm, I've been wanting to toss my contacts out for good, and have considered having the procedure done. Since I'm a scuba diver, I wonder if that could create complications.

Also, I've heard that many people get "dry eye" after having the procedure done. Have any of you experienced that? I guess I'm going to have to do more research.

rickair7777

Only PRK, not LASIK, is authorized for military divers. The issue with military diving likely involves either high nitrogen saturation levels from deep/long dives or combat operations involving explosions, or jumping out of boats or airplanes into the water at high speed.

Military dive tables are far less conservative than civilian recreational tables, since all military divers are young and are supposed to have low body fat, which reduces DCS risk.

I would probably try to find a qualified diving medical speciliast and ask about lasik. I'm guessing it would be OK for shallow non-D rec dives, but I don't know for certain.

PLTwnab

I'm new to the forum, so bear with me if I screw everything up...neway, I know someone who just had Lasik done, and they told him it's gonna b about 12 wks guaranteed for him to be totally used to the surgery. He got one eye done since they still haven't perfected the surgery. So he has to get used to monovision, which some ppl NEVER get used to. So that may end up giving u a lot of headaches, but as everyone else said, prolly won't be a problem with getting a job.


[QUOTE=⌐ AV8OR WANNABE;49401][FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="4"]Anyone know the basic rules behind getting lasix and the FAA's rules about it? Such as, how long you will lose your first class medical, flying commercially versus privately.


today it IS POSSIBLE to get a first class medical with 1 eye ONLY!!! (I've heard of a captain at UPS and an FO at Airtran with one eye only) That option won't be there if you lose your vision on both eyes. I am being paranoid of course but why not? Just be extra careful and only fix one eye at a time? Just my thoughts of course.

LAfrequentflyer

Do what you feel is comfortable for you. Don't worry about the rest of us. We are , at best, a source of information. We are not a substitute for your own 'gut-feelings' or research. Of course, we are also not a substitute for sound medical advs.


Sincerely,
LAFF

UNDGUY

Don't mean to be the anti-lasik guy but... I had lasik done in 1999. I went from 20-60 to 20-20 in two days. The doctor assured me that I wouldn't have to worry about glasses for at least 20 years. (I was twenty at the time) As the years went on my vision slowly got worse and worse. Today my vision is right back to 20-60. To make it worse, glasses can no longer correct my vision to 20-20 because of the scar tissue and the jagged line across my eye lense from the incision. When I began flight school I passed my first class medical, three years later (yesterday) I am only correctable to 20-25. I know it was a while ago when I had the surgery but you should consider the fact that the airlines will definately hire you without lasik (wearing glasses) They definately won't if something goes wrong and you can't see 20-20 anymore. I don't want to change the subject on your post but I was wondering if anyone has any advice about my situation, so I am going to make a new posting if anyone would like to chime in.

Thanks, UNDGUY

cjdriver

A cautious strategy would be to wait until you can't correct to 20/20, and then have the surgery. Otherwise, if all you're trying to do is elimanate the need for corrective lenses for convenience sake, you're taking a big risk for perhaps a small gain. Risk/reward analysis is encouraged here.

rickair7777

Any significant medical deviation (like one-eyed jack) will result in a "Special Issuance" (SI) medical. Airlines are required by law to allow you to CONTINUE to fly with an SI if you are ALREADY employed.

This law does NOT extend to hiring...I have a never heard of any airline that will hire you with an SI.

pboiler

I had LASIK exactly one year ago. I was 20/20 the next day and my eye doctor signed me off to continue flying after three days. I am now 20/10 in both eyes and so happy I spent the money. Don't go with the cheapest outfit in town, but instead research and find someone reputable. Custom LASIK is hard to beat and the best out there right now. No halos or problems at night either.

LehmanAA

My advice would be to come up here to canada and grab your first class medical (as you only need 20/30 vision to be granted a cat. 1 medical) and look for a flying job up here. sorry to here about your situation, and heres the link the visual reqirements for a transport canada medical.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Re...rds/t42402.htm

Aaron

UNDGUY

Hey Aaron,

What would I have to do as far as licensing to get a commercial flying job in Canada? I already have my commercial, multi-engine, CFI, and CFII in the U.S.. Would I have to retake the checkrides and written tests or no? I live near Detroit, MI, which is a 20 minute drive to Canada for me. I would definately be open to looking into Canadian flying jobs. If you could point me to a website or something that has the information that would be great.

Thanks,

Mike