As an ATPL(H) pilot in Australia, I had LASIK eye surgery done in November 2005. My eyesight at the time was approx -1.5 diopters in both eyes (short sighted) and relyed on glasses most of the time.
I initially consulted by DAME (Designated Aviation Medical Examiner) then in turn I wrote a letter to the CASA medical branch in Canberra.
What resulted was that I completed LASIK on both eyes at the same time, (the surgeon over corrected for about -2.0 Diopters as when you get over 40 yrs old you become long sighted, so he did that in attempt to avoid long sightedness in later years.)
I removed the eye patches the next morning about 14 hours after surgery, and I could instantly see 20/20 or 6/6 vision. Actually I had slightly better 6/4.5 - 5 vision. I would have been confident to drive a car within 24 hours.
The surgery DID NOT affect my pilot medical as I did not have a medical condition that lasted longer than 7 days, I had the surgeon provide a letter regarding my eye sight to satisfy that I met the aviation medical standards of 6/6 vision without glasses.
I attended post surgery examinations 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the surgery, my eyesight was still 6/5 a year later and still is.
After the 3 month period, my eye surgeon wrote a letter to the CASA medical branch explaining what procedure had been completed, the size of the applation zone, correction completed and my eye test results. CASA then reissued my pilot medical with NO conditions.
I cannot speak highly enough of the procedure. Before surgery I couldn't read the bed side clock and at night (even with glasses) I had hallow & star effects around lights. Now I can see great, my night time vision is fantastic with NO star or hallow effects and I have big pupils in dark conditions, so the surgeon had to correct that.
I did have some grittiness (like sand) feeling in my left eye for the first 3 months, then after that it went away.
The only problem is that you have to spend more money on new sunglasses!
The biggest piece of advise I can give is, choose your eye surgeon carefully. I located the best eye surgeon I could find and after all the research I did prior to undertaking this somewhat scarry (could loose your medical) surgery, choosing an experienced surgeon is the key to reducing the risks and obtaining the best results.
Best of luck with the decision.
Nigel
