What is prk surgery for military

Should I get laser eye surgery now or wait until I have enlisted and get it done in the Navy? Do you have any helpful information or suggestions?

Thank you again for all the resources that you have provided for those preparing for military service. Ryan -- My answer does not address your ability to get eye surgery performed by military doctors once you are active duty.

What I've got is more an answer about getting the opportunity to do the job you want to do once you join. I would have surgery before joining the Navy. I cannot tell you how many people wish they had done the PRK before the Navy. Here is the real issue, though. Some candidates who joined first and met the physical qualifications later were unable to transfer from their job, because it was undermanned and their year group for SEAL was overmanned.

I should have worked a regular job to pay for PRK, but there is no changing that now. Now, I have to wait a minimum of 2 years before I can even apply for a rate change. Hopefully, I can get PRK during that time. Do not be in a rush to join; get prepared physically first.

Take advantage of the six-month delay after eye surgery required by the doctors at Military Entrance Processing Stations MEPS to get ready to get to and through training. Over the years, the aviation community was hesitant about approving personnel who have had the eye surgeries without even more extensive studies. On many levels faster visual recovery is beneficial, such as quicker return to work," Roberts stated.

Paul Houghtaling, eye physician and surgeon. It was life changing to realize after the surgery that nothing would now hold me back from my dreams. After graduation, I was able to enter training and today serve the Navy as a lieutenant flying the MHR helicopter. I can more efficiently and safely do my job because of my improved vision. Toggle navigation. Air Force Maj. Bill Gensheimer, chief of ophthalmology at the Warfighter Eye Center at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, said, "Refractive surgery in the military provides a combat edge in vision.

This allows the military to select their personnel from a wider pool of candidates and give important positions to the best and brightest. Both types of laser vision correction have been proven to be safe and effective. PRK has a little longer recovery period; however, studies have shown this procedure to have just as good of results long term. All service members who are eligible for refractive surgery are encouraged to have the procedure.

Visian ICL Center. Glaucoma Center. Macular Degeneration Center. Quick Access to What You Need. Search our Site for Conditions, Procedures or Resources. Key study results Quality of vision after refractive surgery was one of the most important factors first examined by military studies, Dr.

Military results, civilian populations Military refractive surgery demonstrates how military medicine has helped contribute to the civilian population. Refractive surgery in the United States Army, Rabin J. Refractive surgery in the military. Accessed Feb. Preliminary results of photorefractive keratectomy in active-duty United States Navy personnel. Scott D. Charles D.

Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, can be reached at scschallhorn yahoo. Share This. Request an appointment online by using our schedule form.