stuckindayton

Just make sure they use Cyclopentolate and not Tropicamide/Phenylephrine (which is what is typically used). They will likely yield different results.

I should have mentioned this previously. The AF changed the CCT standard to 55 for each cone. So you don't need perfect color vision. There's really not a good correlation between CCT and Ishihara. If you meet the refractive standards, there may be some hope in getting a CCT score that's within standard (55 or above on each cone type).

Gatsby, I could be wrong, but I highly suspect that the contrast and chromaticity (i.e. color co-ordinates) of the letters seen in that print are not the same as what would be presented on the actual test. Thus, they don't fully isolate the cones so your "weak" cone is not actually being tested. In my experience people don't fail Ishihara and pass CCT. Also, if you are wearing a +3.00 and +2.50 contact lens, then I would expect that your refractive error is more hyperopic than what you are wearing. The measurement for refractive error is taken under cycloplegic (dilated) conditions, which paralyzes the accommodative muscles and typically yields more hyperopia than what a person will wear comfortably under non-dilated conditions. If I had to guess, I would think your left eye may be pushing the hard limit of +4.00. That's easy enough to determine. Have a doc dilate your eyes with two drops of 1% Cyclopentolate and see how much power you need to see 20/20. If it's over +4.00, it's a DQ without waiver potential. I don't mean to be giving you a bunch of bad news, but that's my best guess.

Sorry, I missed this. I cleared out some of my box so send away.

All true. PRK/LASIK no longer requires a waiver as long as no complications. There is still a mandatory 6 month period between surgery and when you can get an IFC I. This was basically just a formality. Everyone got indefinite waivers (for the most part). Depth perception standard now 40 arc secs instead of 25. It really has little impact on who gets in, it just means fewer people need waivers because the waiver criteria didn't change. There were other changes related to eyes/vision, but they weren't as significant.

It's coming soon. Don't know the exact dates, but we're hoping it's within the next few weeks.

Sorry, my box was full. I've deleted some messages. I'll ask our flight doc (I'm an eyeball person) tomorrow and let you know what he thinks.

Maybe, ask away or PM.

We've been trying to get this changed forever, but you're coming back to Wright Patt for MFS which consists of red lens test, color vision, corneal topography, anthropometrics (height/weight) and neuro-psych (computer test). It's a totally inefficient system (who would expect that from the USAF).

When you say you went to Wright-Patt, did you get your physical at the medical center or in Bldg 840 over in area B? If you were seen at 840, there is no need to return. Everything would have been done at one time.

Yep. Last time we looked 40%+ of pilots required corrective lenses to fly. There was no bias across airframe: fighters, tankers, cargo, rotary wing, etc. You can wear contact lenses in lieu of glasses, but you must see 20/20 to fly.

Without specifics, I can't speculate. The AF has no policy about corneal thickness post PRK/LASIK for applicants. It's somethings that was probably an oversight, but it is what it is. Obviously, you don't want to risk your long term vision/eyes just to qualify for IFC I.

It's totally fine as long as there are no complications. You just have to wait six months before you can do the IFC I exam.

Agree. How soon is your IFC I? You have to be six months post PRK (including a touch up) to be allowed to complete the IFC I exam. If you don't want to incur the delay Stoker is spot on. If you have plenty of time, get under the LASER again (totally an elective option).

Hey folks, Big news today. The AF has officially adopted a new (more lenient) color vision policy that is more in line with the Army and Navy. Waivers are now available for ALL flying classes, including pilot applicants, as long as your CCT score is at least 55 with each eye on all cone types (i.e. red, green and blue letters). If you have recently been disqualified for color vision and you think you meet the waiver criteria, PM me and we'll see if we can get a waiver put in on your behalf. This will certainly be no problem for anyone recently DQ'd at Wright-Patt. If it was at a different location, there may be a little more legwork, but it should be do-able. If you are not sure whether you meet the waiver criteria, I'm happy to look into your physical and let you know.

Send me your specific situation and I'll give you an answer (if possible).

Good questions. I'm not really sure. Often times if a person fails the eyeball portion at MEPS, but the results are in question, they'll come for an IFC I exam anyway since we don't want to DQ anyone when it's not clear-cut. I'm sure there is some overlap in the two exams, but they are certainly not the same. The IFC I will be more in-depth with more tests. Passing MEPS means you have a darn good chance at IFC I, but no guarantee. I really don't even know if MEPS does a full cycloplegic exam, but that really impacts just a small percentage of people anyway. I suspect MEPS is just a sanity check. Do you have two eyes? Yep, move on. Plus, I would assume they would look at other parts of the physical that would be obvious DQs (e.g. are you crazy?). Sorry, that's about all I can come up with.

You are fine for LASIK. You won't qualify for pilot applicant unless you get LASIK. You might qualify for CSO applicant.

Waivers after strabismus surgery are possible, but your eye alignment has to be essentially perfect. If there is any residual mis-alignment, then a waiver won't happen. There is at least one person on this board who was in your shoes. He may be interested in giving you some feedback. Sorry, I cannot identify him (privacy rules).

To clarify, Sit On Acorns meant building 840, not 860.

Speaking strictly for the Air Force, if your prescription is as you describe you are fine. You might need a waiver, however, that's no big deal. You do not need surgery based on the information you provided.

No, different situation. I'm guessing you were DQ'd because you had an abnormal cornea associated with thinning. There is a policy for that. LASIK won't change it. If you were DQ'd for the reason I suspect, LASIK would not be in your best interest. If you want more details on your specific situation PM me and I can look into it further.

Happy to help. Seen too many people make bad decisions based on bad information.

Do NOT get ICL's. Those would be non-waiverable. As far as flat corneas post PRK/LASIK, how flat are we talking? Less than 35 D? The AF has no standard for post op flat K's or corneal thickness for applicants (although we probably should), however, you may be risking your vision for the rest of your life and it's possible you may not meet the AF standards for vision if the outcome is really poor. Let me know if you want more details.

If you're on the schedule, you'll get seen.