I'm interested in getting Lasik done BEFORE I enlist. I know it's free after, but I'd rather not have to deal with glasses. That and it'd be a going away present from my parents.

I've searched quite a bit, but haven't been able to find any solid, up-to-date information on Lasik and BAC. If I do get Lasik before I enlist, does this DQ me from getting Option 4 in my contract?

And if Lasik isn't a disqualifier, how long do I have to wait before MEPS? I've heard 6 or 12 months, but no one seems to be certain. And how long is the required wait period from surgery to BAC?

If Lasik is a disqualifier for Option 4/BAC, is it waiverable?


Thaaaaanks everybody!

Last I heard, there is a 6-month wait after getting it to attend schools (you'd be on profile).
Don't get LASIK- get PRK. It's slightly different, but some jobs (aviation) are closed or harder to get with LASIK rather than PRK.
The Army might get you the surgery, but you'd be on a waiting list 9 miles long. I paid for my own PRK when I got home from deployment. Best. Move. Ever.

But do you know if Lasik DQs me from getting Option 4 in my contract? I know they offer it after, but I've read there are issues when getting Lasik BEFORE enlistment and wanting airborne in your contract.

I know the difference between Lasik and PRK, and would rather go with Lasik. Doesn't AF now allow it's incoming pilots to have Lasik?

Any up-to-date information would be very appreciated.

Pains me to say it, but your best source of info is a recruiter.

Apart from the Army info you asked for...


Your also going sacrifice part of your eyesight with LAZIK it is not a miracle operation that fixes your eyesight. You sacrifice your distance sight or your nearsightedness with the operation (I forget which) for some that is not an issue.

You should consult a optometrist and ask detailed questions. Appointments are not that expensive at Eye Masters. I go to the optometrists at Eye Mastsers, they are not that bad and it's really not that costly considering it's your eyes. I think you'll pay around $100-200 (might be less depending on what you have them look at).

I considered having it done a few years ago but I like the freedom I have now of being able to read a book without my glasses and walk around without my glasses (only need them for driving and reading at a distance). You'll lose part of that freedom after the operation. Either immediately or in the not too distant future.

Last, I was told by my optometrist for me it would be a better deal financially and medically to hold off on this operation until I get older (might be a different prognosis for you).

With the rapidly improving technology they are going to be able to restore my eyesight to better then when I was in high school at some point in the not too distant future. Not sure they can do that if you had one operation already or if that complicates things. Plus when you reach a certain age group or risk pool, Insurance covers it totally.

So thats why I say, consult with a optometrist first on this. Preferrably one that does not make money with eye operations on the side.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ErichG2,

I was 22 when I had the operation. I was told that, because of PRK, I would need reading glasses earlier than I would if I didn't have the operation.
Hmm. No glasses from 22 until about 40? Or glasses forever and bifocals when I'm 50.
Worth it. Then again, my BCGs were so thick I could see into the future.

quote:

Originally posted by pharoah_1701n:
I was 22 when I had the operation. I was told that, because of PRK, I would need reading glasses earlier than I would if I didn't have the operation.
Hmm. No glasses from 22 until about 40? Or glasses forever and bifocals when I'm 50.
Worth it. Then again, my BCGs were so thick I could see into the future.

I had glasses through my Army enlistments they were not an issue for me because I could take them off. With the TOW or Bino's I could adjust the focus to meet my eye deficiency.

I have a light prescription as well so might not be in the same boat as you.

I can see where it is less of a hassle being in the Army or NG though not having to deal with glasses, especially now with the ballastic glasses and not having to deal with the inserts in the protective mask. I just removed my inserts in the gas mask.....nobody cares as long as you can still do the job without them. In most cases your not wearing your protective mask more then a few hours anyhow, the Army is too paranoid about heat exhaustion.

Keep in mind the surgery outcome will vary greatly depending on your pre-surgery eyesight. For example, someone that's -0.50 will have a very different outcome from someone that's -8.00.

I almost jumped on the Lasik/PRK boat but I did my research and opted to not do it (and give up any dreams of WOFT). It really is not the miracle cure the ads seem to portray, do your research. There's a lot in terms of vision you can lose and still be considered a "successful" surgery.

Yeah, I still need to do more research on Lasik. Thanks for the warnings. My eyes are currently -5.75 and haven't gotten any worse in the last 2 years or so.

Does anyone know about Lasik and Option 4 though? That's a really big concern of mine. I would just contact a recruiter, but all the BS I've read about online makes me want to get first-hand advice. Seems like you guys are far more knowledgeable.

Don't get us wrong- recruiters will sell your daughter to you to get you to enlist. but if they show you something in writing, you're probably good to go. Ask one. Bring back what they say and we can check it out. But they do know the regs better than we do.

After two deployments to OIF w/contacts, I finally put in my packet for PRK and got the surgery a month later. That was a few years ago.

Best choice I ever made. See 20/15 now after surgery and no issues. Deployed to Afghanistan and never had an issue.

Beware of LASIK-many schools (MFF/SO Diver, Combatives) don't accept LASIK but do take PRK. At a minimum a waiver for LASIK is needed even for "easy" schools IE Ranger school, with a min. 6 month wait.