LASIK outcome

[eth04d]

I was processing for the Army's rotary wing warrant officer flight program (I'm not prior military, I was doing the "high school to flight school" route) when my flight physical revealed that my vision wasn't good enough. I had LASIK done to get around this problem, but I'm about 90 days out and I'm still having bad side effects. Namely, nighttime starbursts around artificial lights, and night blindness resulting from headlights of oncoming cars (usually lasts about a second, until the car passes, then i regain my night vision. the "blindness" is very pronounced though...enough to necessitate me slowing down). I currently hold a private pilot license, and i'm worried that my eyes will not pass the military/FAA's post-op vision requirements. Is there any chance my side effects will continue to improve this far out from the procedure? If you were in my shoes, would you start looking for a new career? I'm pretty concerned at this point, and my doctor won't give me a straight answer.

[NickH]

I was told starbursts can take up to six months to dissipate. I'm not sure about the night blindness.

[N826AW]

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Originally Posted by NickH

I was told starbursts can take up to six months to dissipate. I'm not sure about the night blindness.

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Wow since when is LASIK an approved surgery for the Army WOFT program? I looked into it a couple of years ago and it was PRK with a waiver.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Originally Posted by eth04d

I was processing for the Army's rotary wing warrant officer flight program (I'm not prior military, I was doing the "high school to flight school" route) when my flight physical revealed that my vision wasn't good enough. I had LASIK done to get around this problem, but I'm about 90 days out and I'm still having bad side effects. Namely, nighttime starbursts around artificial lights, and night blindness resulting from headlights of oncoming cars (usually lasts about a second, until the car passes, then i regain my night vision. the "blindness" is very pronounced though...enough to necessitate me slowing down). I currently hold a private pilot license, and i'm worried that my eyes will not pass the military/FAA's post-op vision requirements. Is there any chance my side effects will continue to improve this far out from the procedure? If you were in my shoes, would you start looking for a new career? I'm pretty concerned at this point, and my doctor won't give me a straight answer.

Unfortunately, if you are 90 days out, this may be a permanent problem. LASIK usually has less starburst problems than RK bit they do exist. The ophthalmologist needs to give you some straight answers - how often does this happen? does it improve? what is the incidence of it in his patients?

You will need to submit an 8500-7 to the AME at you next physical. If you still have these problems, the FAA will have to make a decision on your medcial

[eth04d]

yeah N826AW, the study group for LASIK took longer to get approved than the one for PRK, but its ok now with the proper waiver and post-op results and whatnot. if youre considering it, contact Ft. Rucker flight surgeons office at 334-255-7430 and tell them youre a civilian applicant they are very helpful there.


And thanks to Dr. Forred for a timely response! Much appreciated (although thats not quite what I wanted to hear...).