US Military Laser Eye Surgery Policy 2011
Since the first military laser study began in 1993 and the US Department of
Defense adopted laser refractive surgery in 2000, military laser refractive
cases have demonstrated safety, efficacy and excellent visual results when
performed in appropriate patients. With only a few exceptions, active duty
soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are allowed to have laser eye surgery and
not worry about it affecting their careers.
The most common laser procedure performed in all branches of the military is PRK,
while LASIK has been gaining in popularity in recent years. In some Army laser
refractive centers, up to 30% of procedures are LASIK, and at the Naval Medical
Center San Diego, more LASIK procedures are performed than PRK, at a rate of 2-to-1.
The US Army now allows the Lasik eye surgery for most occupational specialties,
however, there are limits on the Aviation, Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces,
HALO (high altitude, low
opening), Marine Diving or Combat Diving.
US Coast Guard personnel may choose to have PRK or LASIK. PRK has been
acceptable since at least the year 2000. Coast Guard policy was apparently
revised in mid-2005 to permit LASIK as a treatment option. However, all of the
laser vision correction procedures, such as PRK, LASIK, LASEK can be waivered
for accessions, if they meet all other vision and eye policies.
In general, PRK is acceptable but LASIK is considered disqualifying for active
duty in any special forces in US Navy and USMC. There are the US Navy & Marine
Policy of laser vision correction surgery.
In May 24, 2007, the US Air Force announced that they would allow their pilots
to undergo Lasik eye surgery and to allow Lasik patients to serve as pilots and
aircrewmembers. The change also removes the altitude and high-performance
aircraft restrictions for people who have had Lasik eye surgery.
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US Army Policy
US Coast Guard Policy
US Navy & USMC Policy
US Air Force Policy
