Laser Corrections

[Ridgerunner]

Hello, can anyone tell me the RAFs stance on laser surgery for correcting myopia at present?

[Mach2]

Hello, can anyone tell me the RAFs stance on laser surgery for correcting myopia at present?

It might be OK for a ground branch, but as far as I am aware it is still a 'no-no' for any of the aircrew branches.

[timex]

ISTR that their was a thread on here about a year ago and I believe the answer was that you cannot have it done.

[Vidal]

Sorry guys,

I'm pretty sure you're wrong. Recent publication stated that you can have corrective laser surgery on your eyes provided a number of points are met:

1. It's done at your own expense
2. Your med cat will be downgraded for 12 months
3. You don't, or aren't expecting to, fly fast jet (if you use a bang seat the cornea could detach apparently - ouch)
4. Your boss approves the fact that you can't fly or control in the 6(?) week recovery period.

There may be a few other factors as well and the above may not be wholly accurate but I definately have seen this - in fact I think it may have been in a recent 'Aviate' come to think of it.

Considered it myself but you'll prob need glasses for nights anyway apparently and there's always the chance that it can all go Pete Tong!

Hope that helps:8

[16 blades]

I've heard that it can leave some curious effects on your night-time vision (NOT 'night vision' in the sense we know it) - that bright lights, at night, can appear 'starry' or have some kind of 'double image'. Anybody else heard this?

If it did go awry, they'd hav one hell of a 'loss of earnings' bill to pay for a pilot - I'd imagine many surgeons may be reluctant to perform the procedure on a professional aviator.

16B

[ACW418]

There was an article in Aviate (Air Clues only joint) about a year ago which gave the official position. From memory there are three types of Laser Surgery and two of them are no no's.

ACW

[lasernigel]

that bright lights, at night, can appear 'starry' or have some kind of 'double image'. Anybody else heard this?


Having worked on medical lasers for 16 1/2 years before going to industrial,I can confirm this can happen in about 10% of cases.
A good site to weigh up the pros and cons is here. (http://www.prk.com/medical.html#Laser%20Surgery)

The latest techniques of 'Flap and Zap' where the cornea is removed and resculpted are the best way to go.

However it might interest you all to know that the majority of senior opthalmologists I met in the course of my work have NOT had it done themselves!
There IS a risk as in any surgery.
After having worked on them myself I also despite the offer of free treatment have not had it done either.
The other consideration is that once you hit 40 the muscles controlling the focus of the eye tend to slacken off that's why people start needing 'reading glasses' as short sighted people become less short sighted and normal vision people become long sighted.This will still happen if you have the operation done.Though some surgeons are now saying you can have it done again.
You only have two eyes and sight IS precious.Think about it.

[Kitbag]

RR, I guess from your profile that you are not yet a military aviator. ISTR that you cannot be selected for aircrew training if you have had the surgery. If you decide to have it after you complete training then I expect that the other contributors posts on this thread should give you food for thought.

[Ridgerunner]

I am not yet a proper military aviator- currently on a UAS however. I am slightly short sighted and I am getting increasingly frustrated that I will not be allowed to fly military because of this. I have a civil license, but the experiences I've had of military flying so far have been unequaled. The idea of flying airliners just does not do it for me...

[brickhistory]

Really of no use to the gent trying to become an RAF pilot, but my anecdotal experience after LASIK for anyone considering it:

went from 20/blind to 20/20, procedure occured 6+ years ago.
VERY slight starring of lights, not distracting.
Curiously, our USN will allow the surgery including those flying a/c with the black/yellow handles, but my own USAF won't let anyone.

So, having had it done while a reservist not on orders, when I was recalled to service, I lost my USAF medical. Let's see, back end of either an E-3B/C or an E-8C, 1g and a cup of coffee, not a lot of worry about ejecting, so tell me again why it matters?

Civil flying not affected; FAA says wait six weeks after, then if the doc says "yea, verily," then press on. Airlines also don't care.

BUT, best thing I ever did for myself (after the age of 12 or so!)

[Pierre Argh]

The diversity of replies here is a good indicator that, excellent though this forum is, it is not really the sort of palce to ask such questions... unless one wants to trace the history of eye correction surgery policy... why did you not think to pick up the phone and get it straight from the SMO?

[L1A2 discharged]

Had mine done at Optimax. (Not advertising - Other companies such as Ultralase or Boots do it too)

First eye done with fantastic and immediate result. However once the painkiller (can't spell anast..) wore off it was more than 'discomfort'. If only the clinic had indicated the inclusion of painkiller eyedrops in the gozome bag. Still, 2 days later pain gone and seeing well. Six weeks recover to goood biasion.

Other eye done after 6 months, following clinic advice at the time to space out the procedures. Having painkilling drops from the clinic located this time :) . Six more weeks recovery to the final test - now 20/20.

My occupation is one of the one being studied for military application of the procedure - have to wear breathing apparatus or visored helmets for some jobs - but we are not holding our breath on funding. One serving opthalmic specialist is being trained (AFAIK) on carrying out the process.
All in all probably the most beneficial £800 I've spent on myself. No lenses for gasmasks, quicker donning time as I now don't faff about with specs. Shooting using SUSAT is more consistent.

And you get 7 days sick leave each time :D Downgrading was 6 months for first eye, 3 months for second.

Neither is it a stopper for post-mil employment in the police or fire services.

Is ther a spellchacker available on this site .... ?

[ORAC]

I investigated this in depth, like have appointments with each of the top 6 clincis in LA who do Lasik. Had long and frank chats with the surgeons, who had had it done.

There are numerous problems; dry eye and about 20 others. About 5% of people will have serious problems, which may not sound much - unless you are one of the 5%.

The bottom line question in each case came down to, why do you want the surgery?

The surgeons seem agreed that a far greater number of women went ahead. Cosmetic looks were a very important factor, they didn't want to wear glasses. Close after were people who had aggravations with sport, whether swimming, skiing etc.

The bottom line came down to whether the rsik was worth the gain. Surgery is surgery, there is always a risk, and don't come back crying and complaining you weren't told the odds when you made the choice.

Incidently, the problem of long sight is one that I, being in my early fifities adressed. There is a technique called monovison. They correct one eye fully, the other they undercorrect by about 1.5. You brain quickly corrects and uses one one eye for distance and the other for close up. Some people can'y cope, but using trial lens I found no problem. It can put off the use of reading glasses for 5-10 years.

I eventually decided not to proceed because I cannot use contact lenses anyway because of dry eyes and thought the risks too high. Presently reconsidering in light of new techniques.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

[Ridgerunner]

Thanks for the replies everyone....something I will have to consider long and hard, but I am not in the position to make any decisions right now. I am considering my future possibilities, so who knows what my happen.

RR