Hi, I am currently Enlisted in the Guard and nearsighted (-7.5) and would like to go WOFT (Guard or AD).
I've read all the medical policy letters but am hearing a lot of conflicting information. For example: -Old Lasik FAQ from Rucker (from around 2006 I think) states any pre-surgery myopia past -6.5 is a no-go. -Casual email from Rucker stated no waivers will be granted (~2007). -A more recent medical guideline from Rucker stated an exception to policy waiver MAY be granted. -Aviation O6 from CA Guard stated NO Lasik period (although that might just be a CARNG thing).
So has anyone either had personal experience or know of anyone in WOFT who've had extensive corrective surgery? My primary decision on whether or not I'll get the correction hinges on if I'll have a shot at WOFT or not. If it's a definite NO, then I'm going to save my money, but if there's a chance, I'll pursue it.
Well I was -6.0 had no issues getting in. -7.5 is pretty severe, you may wanna shoot an email to the flight surgeon on the rucker web site. See what they say.
Thanks for the response. So you had corrective surgery and got a waiver?
I had sent that quick email to Rucker and the response was 'nope'. Then I see conflicting information in the medical guidelines, so I have a feeling it depends who you ask, which is why I'm wondering if anyone has been through the process.
"if it's a definitely NO, then I'm going to save my money"
I'm a current wanna-be that had PRK back in February. Regardless of what happens with getting waivers, accepted, etc... it was the best money I have every spent. I would have paid 10k know I would get the results that I did.
relevant info (was -2.25, ~20/200 before, 0.00 with 20/15)
I've heard that from a lot of happy surgery patients, but the reason I'm on the fence is because my myopia is so much higher, and from what I understand, I'm at a greater risk for aberrations.
If I might live the rest of my life seeing shadows and halos, I'm not sure I'd be too happy.
