Has anyone had Lasic??
06-14-2006, 03:12 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: Left, right & center
Posts: 770
The last time I looked at it, I got the impression that the FAA wanted to see six months of stability after LASIK before issuing a medical. That may have changed, for all I know, so you'll want to do the research on it. AOPA would probably know.
As for me, as much as I'd like to get rid of my corrective lenses, the possibility of bad results prevents me from even considering it.
As for me, as much as I'd like to get rid of my corrective lenses, the possibility of bad results prevents me from even considering it.
06-14-2006, 03:18 PM
#3
New boss = Old boss
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: Ca B737
Posts: 2,762
I had LASIK (wave front) two years ago and when from 20-200 to 20-15. It costs $3000. I am very happy with the results. I had been thinking of the procedure since the days of RK. (20 years) I was finally satisfied with the technology and got it done.
I got the Ophthalmologist on staff at the LASIK place to sign off on the FAA form one week after the procedure. I happened to be scheduled for a first class the next week. With FAA form in hand, my AME had no problem giving me an unrestricted First Class medical.
There can be complications so it is not for everyone. To be a good candidate you need:
1. Small diameter pupils when dilated. If your pupils get larger than 7mm when dilated, you run the risk of some light passing through untreated areas of the cornea which can cause double vision.
2. Thick cornea. If it is too thin there are problems with the flap and strength of the cornea post op.
3. Wet eyes. If you suffer from dry eye you will not have a comfortable recovery and will suffer vision problems. The incision of the cornea cuts nerves that stimulate tears (when blinking) It takes about one year to regenerate these nerves. Dry eye, post op, is a major cause of dissatisfaction.
4. Normal cornea curvature. If your cornea is too steeply curved or too flat the operation can be more difficult and more risky.
I'm sure there are many other factors but these major ones spring to mind. If you are considering the procedure feel free to PM me with your phone number and I will call you.
I got the Ophthalmologist on staff at the LASIK place to sign off on the FAA form one week after the procedure. I happened to be scheduled for a first class the next week. With FAA form in hand, my AME had no problem giving me an unrestricted First Class medical.
There can be complications so it is not for everyone. To be a good candidate you need:
1. Small diameter pupils when dilated. If your pupils get larger than 7mm when dilated, you run the risk of some light passing through untreated areas of the cornea which can cause double vision.
2. Thick cornea. If it is too thin there are problems with the flap and strength of the cornea post op.
3. Wet eyes. If you suffer from dry eye you will not have a comfortable recovery and will suffer vision problems. The incision of the cornea cuts nerves that stimulate tears (when blinking) It takes about one year to regenerate these nerves. Dry eye, post op, is a major cause of dissatisfaction.
4. Normal cornea curvature. If your cornea is too steeply curved or too flat the operation can be more difficult and more risky.
I'm sure there are many other factors but these major ones spring to mind. If you are considering the procedure feel free to PM me with your phone number and I will call you.
Last edited by mike734; 06-14-2006 at 03:32 PM.
06-15-2006, 02:15 PM
#6
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 15
reply
Ok good because thats one of my biggest worries. I have 20/40 in one eye and 20/75 in a other one and im allways thinking it could keep me from doing what i love and hope to do for a long time. Once i get the hours
06-15-2006, 05:05 PM
#7
New boss = Old boss
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: Ca B737
Posts: 2,762
Originally Posted by AndresUmana
Ok good because thats one of my biggest worries. I have 20/40 in one eye and 20/75 in a other one and im allways thinking it could keep me from doing what i love and hope to do for a long time. Once i get the hours
07-08-2006, 09:11 PM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,333
“Damn. I was really hoping this thread would come alive again.”
LOL, well ok then, I’ll keep the thread alive.
It looks like RK, PRK and LASIC surgeries are faa approved. How about the airlines themselves? For example, I think some airlines still do pre-employment medicals, etc. Do they approve if the faa says ok or do they have their own rules?
or what about blood pressure, diabetes (not sure if that can be approved?) medications, etc? If the faa approves what will the airlines do?
LOL, well ok then, I’ll keep the thread alive.
It looks like RK, PRK and LASIC surgeries are faa approved. How about the airlines themselves? For example, I think some airlines still do pre-employment medicals, etc. Do they approve if the faa says ok or do they have their own rules?
or what about blood pressure, diabetes (not sure if that can be approved?) medications, etc? If the faa approves what will the airlines do?
Last edited by ⌐ AV8OR WANNABE; 07-08-2006 at 09:14 PM.
