Is LASIK allowed in the Indian Air Force?

Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or Lasik surgery, is a specific kind of surgery that uses laser cutting to accurately alter the form of the transparent dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye (cornea) to improve vision. When the light does not focus on your retina as it usually should, LASIK surgery may be necessary. It is referred to as a refractive mistake by experts. Astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness are a few examples of the sorts. 

Some advantages of Lasik surgery include: It is effective and safe; there is minimal discomfort during the procedure; there are no bandages or stitches, and doctors can modify the vision if one’s vision changes as the patient ages. There won’t be a need for glasses or contacts after Lasik surgery.

Along with its advantages, Lasik surgery has some disadvantages as well. You could lose the correct vision you had while wearing glasses or contact lenses; this is rare but a possibility. Even Lasik is typically not covered by insurance.

Who is unable to have Lasik surgery?

People under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing, people who take certain medications that can make it challenging to have surgery, people whose vision prescription has changed frequently recently, people whose corneas are uneven or very thin, people who have glaucoma or dry eyes, and people with diabetes or lupus.

How should Lasik surgery candidates prepare?

Meet your eye surgeon first. Understand your health and a thorough description of your eye. Know what Lasik is and how it is done. Second, you need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of Lasik surgery. Additionally, one needs to be mindful of the costs and potential hazards associated with the procedure. If you wear hard gas-permeable lenses, wait at least three weeks before your assessment before using them. For at least three days before the evaluation, refrain from wearing any other kind of contact lenses. You must have your prescriptions and eyewear on hand so the examiner can check them.

They will do a thorough eye examination and inquire about your medical history during the examination. They will map your cornea, enlarge your pupils, and assess your eye pressure in addition to your corneal thickness, refraction, and eye pressure. The test taker is available to address any queries you may have (surgeon). Once you are aware, you can make a surgery appointment. Following surgery, some potential side effects include seeing halos around images, shifting vision, dry eyes, issues while driving at night, itchy eyes, light sensitivity, and minor eye bruising.

During the Lasik procedure, you should be aware that your eyes will be dry. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, which will also keep your eyes moist. You can experience burning, itching, and blurred vision while using it. Any eyedropper must only be used with the doctor’s approval. Most likely, the eyes will recover in a few days. If any side effects occur, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Do not swim or use the hot tub for two weeks following the procedure. Purchasing an eye shield made of plastic to cover the eyes while sleeping might be beneficial. Review every follow-up examination.

Candidates with Visual Defects Are Disqualified.

Candidates who have had Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery to correct vision problems are not automatically barred from joining the engineering and medical services branches of the armed forces. However, due to the physical requirements for military service, such candidates are only occasionally accepted into the Armed Forces. Given below are the details of this procedure:

1. Candidates over the age of 20 who have undergone LASIK or PRK surgery are eligible to apply for an Army commission if they meet the requirements listed below:

1. A straightforward stable LASIK or PRK operation was performed for myopia or hypermetropia, followed by six months of steady refraction.
2. A healthy retina.
3. Corrected vision for myopia or hypermetropia should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worst, with a maximum residual refraction of +1.50 in any meridian.

B) Armed Force Medical College (AFMC), Pune, will accept applicants above 20 for LASIK or PRK at the entry-level. Entry-level candidates for the Navy, Air Force, National Defense Academy (NDA), Other Rank (OR), and Junior Commissioned Officers are not permitted if they have undergone LASIK or PRK (JCOs). 

Candidates for aircrew duty in the Army who have had LASIK or PRK will not be considered. There is currently no such proposal because different LASIK and PRK surgeries can have other long-term effects. Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar provided this information in reply to Shri Avinash Pande in Rajya Sabha today.

The Indian Air Force’s regulations: 

1. One laser eye correction is all that the Air Force will allow.
2. You must have exceptional eyesight to see and respond quickly if you want to be a pilot (fighter). As a result, the candidate’s vision must be at least 20/70.
3. Vision in each eye must be no worse than 20/200 for a candidate to be accepted for Navigator Training.
4. You can become a ground staff officer in the technical branches if your vision is 6/6 with glasses.

These are the Indian Armed Forces’ LASIK Surgery regulations. Select a trustworthy surgeon for your procedure because even the slightest mistake can rapidly become a problem.

Follow these instructions to prevent injury or infection following Lasik surgery:

Wait till the next day to shower and shampoo your hair.

During the first several days following surgery, avoid getting non-sterile water from the shower, hair washing, etc. into your eyes.

When taking a bath or shower, be careful. When washing your hair, be careful not to get soap in your eyes, and be cautious around hairspray and shaving cream. Use all the eye drops, including artificial tears, that your doctor has prescribed.

Avoid driving until you’re at ease. Obtain your doctor’s approval beforehand.