In the month of November, the nation celebrates Veterans Day as a reminder of the many hours of service offered. Whether in or out of the service laser eye surgery offers a way to make the most of a soldier’s or veterans’ vision. Either because of special needs or special equipment, the medical system has begun to recognize its needs to be part of the package of serving this country. Not all branches of the service treat LASIK the same plus mixed recommendations have been given on having LASIK before entering the military.
Before entering the military
Before having laser eye surgery check with the branch of the military that will become entered. Depending on the possible positions an applicant may have interest it may determine on whether LASIK is a good idea or not. Some positions prefer military personnel has PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) or LASEK (laser-assisted epithelial keratomileusis procedures rather than LASIK (laser-assisted in -situ keratomileusis).
One of the items the military considers when dealing with operational safety has become the quality of vision its armed forces personnel has. Many times, the military chooses a set of civilian doctors for the procedure as well as military doctors. The Air Force states applicants that have had the correction of visual acuity by PRK or LASIK have eligibility one year from the date of the procedure. It also states that some roles in the Air Force may not be available. Navy, Marines, and Army make similar statements for those enlisting. Check with the center you plan to enlist with and see what the parameters are.
After enlistment
Once on active duty, the armed forces provide laser eye surgery if a soldier meets the criteria. Soldiers go to military medical facilities or are sent to approved doctors like at the Houston LASIK clinic. In Houston also NASA personnel such as astronauts get recommended to the clinic. Wearing glasses often interferes with some of the military equipment, especially specialized helmets. Contact lenses have issues as well since out in the field serious eye infections can occur in the line of duty. Soldiers or astronauts can tell of the difficulties when suited up for zero gravity activity about putting on glasses or contact lenses.
The Department of Defense, after fielding their own studies, found soldier performance in the air, at sea or land all improved after laser eye surgery. In recent years it has created centers to help improve laser eye surgery techniques. It still retains ophthalmologists like Dr. Amjad Khokhar for military personnel as well to ensure American forces have maximum vision when defending the country offshore or at home.
Conclusion
Houston Lasik serves the country in its own way by offering its services to active military personnel. For Veterans’ Day, many of our retired soldiers need the operation as well. As we move forward into the new year, think about those who need an improvement in their eyesight after being discharged honorably. Giving the gift of sight to those who sacrificed and served earlier should become a vital part of the continuing thankfulness to those who heard the call.
Houston Lasik leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS, and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston Lasik, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478
Via
https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/military-members-turn-to-refractive-surgery-to-imp-2?ref
https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/the-u-s-military-trusts-lasik-so-can-you/One
