Hey guys, I was wondering what the requirements were from FAA if one wanted to complete Lasik surgery. Do you need a form filled out by the physician? I would assume it gets sent to OK...If so, does the restriction get lifted on the next time you get your first class? Just curious because I wear corrective lenses and have been thinking about Lasik. I want to make sure I take the right steps before I commit. Thanks!

 

Talk to your AME. You don't have to do anything in advance but you will need to ensure that your vision is stable after the surgery. Not sure if the eye doc can certify that, or if you would need to see the AME. I don't think OKC gets involved in routine LASIK without complications.

But on that note...

Do your LASIK shopping VERY carefully...there is always a risk of complications and it varies wildly depending on the doc. You don't want...

- Cheap, discount eye surgery. As a pilot you want to pay premium rates for the doc with the experience and track record.
- Someone who is new to the business and has only done a handful of surgeries.
- A Podiatrist who opened up a laser clinic because it pays better. Stick with an opthomologist for your eyes.

I have a buddy who got kicked out of the airlines because cheap PRK scarred his corneas.

Also, not everyone is ideal for surgery. As a pilot I would first get an evaluation from a neutral third-party eye doc as to whether you would be at higher risk for complications from surgery.

 

Okay, will do!

 

I had it done a few years ago. I called an ALPA AME and he told me what to do. You can go get the surgery without telling the FAA. Just make sure you don't fly until your vision is at least 20/20 and stable. There is an FAA form that has to do with vision. I'm sure you can find it in a quick google search. Have the doctor fill out that form and bring it with you next time you renew your medical. It was that easy.

 

Yeah I had it done. No issues at all with my AME. I did let him know I had it done. He asked who had done it and that was that. No more corrective lenses. 20/20 the next morning.

 

FAA form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation. When your eye doctor tells you that you are 20/20 and stable have him fill that form out and you are good to fly.

 

Okay, thanks a lot!

 

I got PRK done, look into that. See my thread

Advise your AME prior to surgery and have him "on board" first. Not required but helps to have his "support"

Follow my pre-surgery regimen, which I located via extensive internet research. Your doc may or may not mention it.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/pi...ery-diary.html