Any commercial pilots had Lasik eye surgery?

[B789]

Have any commercial pilots out there had Lasik eye surgery for short sightedness and care to speak of their experience, and any pros or cons worth knowing about. I'd be interested to know if you had any issues regaining your medical after the stand down period and if your eyesight has subsequently deteriorated again?

No surgery is risk free, but it would be great to hear your experiences and advice before making a decision.

Thanks in advance! (PM if preferred)

[Cravenmorehead]

I don't mean to be sarcastic but go see your DAME, as a general consult claim it of Medicare and get the facts, best $37 spent ever. Doctors are your friends my friend.

[airjordan]

I won't give advice as to whether to go ahead or not, that's obviously your decision in the end, but i'll share my experience.

I had lasik done in 2006 before I had my initial class 1 medical done, so slightly different to your situation if you already had a class 1 and will be trying to keep it current.

I was interested in becoming a commercial pilot at the time and decided to get lasik done before I tried for a class 1, taking the risk that it could have affected my chances to hold a class 1.

Anyway procedure went well, quite foolproof these days.
My eyesight was quite bad previously, -6.5 both eyes.

Happy to report that ever since on each year's eye sight test I am 2 lines below 20/20 in each eye separately and it has not gotten worse. No problems with night vision whatsoever.

There was no problem getting my class one - I was truthful in my application and admitted I had lasik done. The ophthalmologist checked my cornea and all was sweet. I have since held a class one with no problems. There has been no requirement to have any extra checks done year on year - just the standard eye sight test.

I do however, get an optometrist to independently check my eyes each year anyway to make sure there aren't any problems.

Procedure wise, it was quick, about 5 mins per eye and no pain. I'm sure the technology and procedure has somewhat improved since then.

Best thing I have ever done. Life without glasses and contact lenses is bliss.

Hope this helps.
Goodluck.

[Tankengine]

Check with a DAME.
I understand you may have 6 months to check everything OK after surgery.

[peterc005]

I had LASIK surgery done about five years ago and am very happy with the results.

I hold a CPL and Grade 1 medical. Previously I was badly short-sighted and needed glasses for flying and driving.

My DAME, Dr Tunbridge at Moorabbin, referred me to Dr Noel Alpins who is approved as an aviation Ophthalmologist who also runs a LASIK practice.

Eye Specialists & Doctors | Laser Eye Clinic Melbourne | NewVision Clinics (http://www.newvisionclinics.com.au)

Before going to Dr Alpins I did some research and couldn't find any evidence of stuff-ups, but did find he was a leader in his field and was widely published.

It took a few pre-operation visits and the actual procedure took a couple of minutes. No pain or side-effects, and I was very happy with the outcome.

Now I have 20/20 vision and can spot an airfield from 10nm. It's been great for football and tennis too.

The only downside is that it takes a couple of minutes to focus properly first thing in the morning and sometimes it's harder to read small text nearby.

Dr Alpins is over-priced and charged twice as much as other LASIK clinics, but I figured if he did the surgery it would get passed by CASA with fewer hassles. Dr Alpins is probably the best in Melbourne for LASIK.

After the mandatory one month wait I sent all the paper work to CASA and got the run around for another couple of months. Eventually I phoned and politely asked for a supervisor in the Avmed section of CASA. Spoke to a wonderful woman who supervises Avmed and she sorted the whole thing out while I was on the phone and I got my medical back on the spot.

Bottom line is LASIK turned out great, but be prepared to give CASA a gentle push to get the medical paperwork sorted.

[Fred Gassit]

A friend of mine is a DAME and has had the procedure done. Completely routine and with little interruption to his own medical (which he doesn't issue to himself!)

[B789]

Thanks all! I've had a talk with an opthamologist and a DAME and they've explained the process so I'm happy with that. It doesn't sound like anyone has any horror stories so I think I'll go with it!

[outnabout]

A CPL I know had Lasik eye surgery.

He said he was glad he had it done (no more glasses, prescription sunnies, contacts, etc) but he wouldn't have had it done if he didn't fly. He said being able to smell your eyeball burning while (sort of) awake was very off-putting.

Had report from specialist to say surgery was successful and his eyes were fine. Went to DAME for inspection, DAME said all good, no worries. Sent both reports off to CASA.

Nek minnit, a registered letter saying your medical is no longer valid, you have to submit to twice daily eye tests for two weeks, then three further inspections by various eye specialists (in the Big Smoke, 500ks away). At the same time, weekly chats with the dudes at Avmed to chase up paperwork.

Took him four months to get his medical back.

Later, I heard (and this is a rumour forum, remember) that it is CASA's opinion that it takes three months for the eyes to settle down after this type of surgery, so no matter what your doctor says, that's how long your medical is suspended for.

What made him ropeable was that someone could review favourable reports from three eye specialists (one in Canada, 2 here) and two DAME, and still say, You are not fit to fly without actually ever seeing him.

[Jack Ranga]

B789, I'd be very selective who you go with. I went to about 5 different providers and got a different answer reference my suitability from all of them.