vision correction and loss of night vision

[bjjitsu]

alright, i have heard that the military is paying for certain soldiers to have corrective vision surgeries, i read the previous posts reguarding this, but it still left some questions unanswered. first off, i spoke to my recruiter and he said that while this was possible, he knew nothing of such a program, and it would be up to the armys volition to implement it if they so chose. i have about 20/50 vision with no color blindness (good enough to drive without glasses), and i am enlisting with an infantry m.o.s. with an 18X option. the people at the meps tested my eyes and said that they were good enough to qualify me for this option. i would just like to know more about this LAsiks program if it indeed does exist because it would sure save me a couple grand if i decide to go through with it. (oh and one more thing, my slight lack of vision is due to an astigmatism, which makes the surgery all that more expensive, or so ive heard).

any help is greatly appreciated.

[bjjitsu]

oh yeah, and one more thing, ive heard that in some cases the surgery does not even correct for night vision, which may require the patient to wear glasses at night, if this is correct, what good does the surgery do? also if the army is actually implementing this, as some people are claiming, then what is the need for vision requirements with certain mos's altogether?

i was looking at the pics of the s.f. operators, and i could not find one with regular glasses, perhaps all those crazy glasses they are wearing have perscription in them already? i wonder.

[Flagg]

bjjistu,

I can't give any info regarding US requirements,restrictions,recommendations, etc.

But I can share my Lasik experience with you.....best thing I've ever done

My vision improved to 20/10...or a 6/3 down here....and it has held for nearly 4 years......my night vision is fine.....no recognized side effects....and I have an astigmatism

A couple of things to keep in mind.....I was considered to be an optimal condidate by my surgeon...which may have positively influenced the results.

One thing worth mentioning...if you have already passed your physical requirments for eyesight is it worth the risk(however slight it may be) for such a small gain in vision?

If you do decide to go ahead with surgery I suggest you ask the following questions:

How long has the surgeon been performing the procedure?

How many procedures has the surgeon performed?

Ask the surgeon to rate you as a candidate.....if you are not an excellent candidate with a high likelihood of receiving the results you are looking for.....walk away and be patient.....procedures and likely results usually improve with time

[Ratamacue]

Before you go for Lasik or PRK or any sort of eye correction surgery, you should really make sure that your eyes aren't changing anymore.

Also, last time I checked, you need to have 20/40 vision in order to drive on the road without glasses. Just sayin'. ;)

[100_Percent_HOOAH]

I'm also enlisting for the 18x option and my recruiter told me the SF operators that need vision correction get it in the form of specialize shooting glasses or goggles, he was not sure on laser correction. I have horrible vision due to my astigmatism and I wanted to get lasik or prk done prior to enlistment, but I found I cannot do that or I may not be allowed to enlist. As far as night vision goes the main problem people complain about is glare and halos. It is possible you may have to wear glasses at night, but there is a new procedure out called "custom radius." Custom radius allows for the surgey to be tailored specificly to each of your eyes and has a better outcome and reduces glare and halo in night vision.

As far as price, most places have a flat rate, even if you have astigmatism and usualy also for a $150-200 more an eye you can get a lifetime eye program, which allows you, if you vision gets worse, to get you eyes fixed again for free. As stated above, make sure you get good information on your Dr and his experience, don't take that lightly. Most places offer a free screening to see if you a canidate and to project your out come. Goodluck


out

[bjjitsu]

i went to a place for a free screening and it was very unprofessional to say the least, wham, bam in and out, and the doctor barely talked to me, all he had to say was that he needed a special laser because i have large dilated pupils, and therefore it would cost more. i didnt like the place and would not trust them with my money, let alone my eyes. but all in all, even thought this has been around for a while, i dont think they have yet perfected this procedure.