Laser vision correction

[scuzzer23]

I hope I am not re-covering a topic here, but does anyone know what the airlines feel about Laser vision correction? There is also the new way of doing it called wavefront Lasik. I have also heard about micro-inserts where they insert contacts into your eyes permanently. While these may be approved by the FAA for private pilots, that is not the ultimate goal for me. I want to know what the airlines are saying about these.

Also where can I find the vision requirements for each airline? My contact prescription is -2.75 in each eye.

 

[Lord_Baltimore]

Don't ask. don't tell

It's simple. Don't tell them you had it. It's not like some sort of pre-existing medical condition where you stand a better chance of keeling over dead on final approach then the next guy - whatever condition your eyes ended up in after the surgery, that's where they are and that's where they'll pretty much stay. It's no more relevant than whether you've had a nose job.

 

[Knob]

Prk

I had PRK done about 7 months ago and have been currently been working for a 121 carrier for 2 years. I heard w/ lasik, alot of people have "halos" at night, PRK has worked out fantastic for me. I had -4.75, and now have 20/15 vision in both eyes! After the surgery (2months), I went to have my medical redone, and was issued a new first class medical with no limitations on it. The Medical doctor gave me a form to send in to the FAA about the PRK. Good luck, its worth the expense.

 

[jumper52]

Don't hide the truth!!

It's going to be a hard one to explain if your medical shows corrective lenses required, then all of a sudden, on your next medical it shows your vision at 20/15!!!!!

Be up front with them, Good Luck.

 

[ManofAction]

I'd suggest you look at www.surgicaleyes.org before having the procedure.

 

[scuzzer23]

Has anyone here had micro-inserts?

 

[skid]

I have not done any research in a while, but I think the best way is LASIK or the new method of LASIK. My brother had 20/400+ vision and had the traditional LASIK in 2000. His vision has been stable since at 20/10 and 20 /15 in both eyes. Also I have heard potentialy bad but rare complications with PRK. A friend had PRK done on top of LASIK to correct astigmatism, while LASIK went well, during the PRK the doc had an unfortunate sneeze. Left her vision blury in one half of her right eye. So far she is in the middle of a 6 month wait to let her eye heal a bit before they even attempt to correct this mistake.

All in all, if you can get a medical w/ glasses or contacts let it be for now. Wait for a few advancements in the field to develop before taking a chance w/ your medical/career.