Still eligible to fly?

[Freak]

From MANY i heard(forums) and FEW around, Lasik is a good way of correcting your eyesight(for aviation). Pilots though, many seems to have no comment on this, well they already have perfect eyesight or close to it, so....

According to my local flight school and quite a FEW people around here - in CAAS/commercial pilots/aviation geek, Lasik is not recommanded and for those who had done it, you are not eligible for flying if your eyesight exceeds 300degrees each eye (criteria given by my local flight school). My local flight school says that if there is a default in your eyes, there is a default. But many in the forum had been asking about it especially for those who are in the military sector or aiming to be a military pilot, not really on the commercial site, on LASIK and some even state that they had gone through with it, was successful and still eligible for flying.

I have a friend whose eyesight exceeded it and wants to enter the flight school. Thus, is pondering whether to go through with Lasik.

Or do you leave the fact that you have gone through with the operation in the medical report??

Just thought of asking anyway --> what are your views on LASIK?

Thanks

Freak

 

[bobbysamd]

Eye surgery - risky

Actually, more pilots than you might think have less-than-perfect vision, corrected to 20/20 or better. I am something like 20/40 in one eye and 20/400 in the other (20/70 uncorrected with both). But, I see fine with my glasses and I have held a First this past year. So, let's kill forever the old wives' tale about needing perfect uncorrected vision to succeed in aviation - although it doesn't hurt.

Times have changed. What your school is telling you may be overstated a bit, but still worth listening to. Accordingly, your "friend" should consider eye surgery carefully because it may or may not be something he might want.

Ten years ago or so, any kind of vision correction surgery was sure to send you home from your interview. Airlines rejected any applicants who had vision correction surgery. I recall one colleague who had the surgery something like twelve years and was sent home from his interview. I believe that LASIK, which is better, apparently, has come along since then. In addition, from what people tell me, many of the airlines and even the military have liberalized their positions regarding eye surgery. I understand that all that most of the airlines care about now is that you hold a First Class Medical, so now you can have the surgery and still be considered. You would submit the FAA Report of Eye Examination form to the AME after your surgery and an eye exam, and, assuming you are otherwise qualified, get your First. That is a big change from years ago and, perhaps, a positive change.

Just the same, I dunno if I'd get it. There are too many risks to eye surgery, in my .02 opinion. Just take a look at this information put out by a med mal law firm and the following site which explains the procedure and its risks. I am sure that the procedure works fine for most people, but not so well for others. I, for one, having been a pilot and and still having to depend on my vision for my work, would hate to fall into the latter category.

Hope that helps.

 

[de727ups]

Lasik

First of all, do a search of posts here on the subject....it's been covered pretty well in the past.

I had it done a little over a year ago and it was a huge success. My vision was worse than 20/200 and now I'm 20/20 in one and 20/25 in the other. I wear glasses when I fly to get them both down to 20/15 but other than that I don't wear the glasses....don't feel I need them to drive.

I could have flown the day after the surgery. I went back to flying a week post op and when my next physical came up, I had the AME submit the form Bobby mentions. This may not be the technically legal way to do it but it worked for me.

My employer could care less that I did Lasik....as long as I can hold a first class physical.

Should you do it as a low time wannabe? Tough question. I think the physical risks are minimal and acceptable. Will an airline question the procedue? A few old fashioned ones might....most won't care. Does the FAA care or will it be a factor in flight training? No.

Having Lasik done after 25 years of wear contacts and glasses was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

 

[Freak]

Thansk alot for the reply!

THAT's GREAT!! with LASIK not a problem here, we could keep the pact we made 3 years ago - to persue our aviation dreams together!!

Thanks alot guys.
Love ya!

Freak

 

[VFR on Top]

Re: Lasik

I could have flown the day after the surgery. I went back to flying a week post op and when my next physical came up, I had the AME submit the form Bobby mentions. This may not be the technically legal way to do it but it worked for me.

No, in fact, you were flying without a valid medical from that point. Oops.

The FAA requires certification from an opthamologist that your vision has stabilized post-LASIK, and once they have that, they'll reissue your LASIK-voided medical without the corrective lenses restriction.

The military is another story. They do not presently accept LASIK for flight training applicants, though they do accept PRK.