LASIK
Posted by Both_Coast3017@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 54 comments
Commercial or ATP pilots, I’m thinking about getting LASIK done, Im 26 and currently work at a 135. I hold a 1st class medical with prescription glasses.
What’s the process like? Recovery time? Any side effects you’ve experienced?
Would you recommend it?
RapidRoastingHam@reddit
I had it, was painless and quick. Visuals are wild during it. Immediately afterwards everything was yellow (it’s normal). The smell of burnt flesh was so nauseating. Got home and my eyes stung so bad and I felt very sick. Fell asleep and woke up 5 hours later feeling great. 20/20 since. Would recommend.
stickJ0ckey@reddit
How old were you when you did the procedure? How long did it take to fully recover? Did you have myopia or astigmatism?
RapidRoastingHam@reddit
Couple years ago when I was 26. I felt fine after 5 hours but had to wear sunglasses and goggles to bed for a few days. Then a couple weeks of eyedrops every couple hours.
deepstaterising@reddit
Did they load you up with a cocktail of pills before? One of them being a potent narcotic that started with a D? I remember the visuals, it was like looking into the gates of heaven.
RapidRoastingHam@reddit
No
q120@reddit
A potent narcotic starting with D is probably Dilaudid
ResponsibilityOld164@reddit
Elaborate on “Visuals are wild during it”. I’m considering having it done but it would be a nightmare for there to be a error and lose my career
MeatServo1@reddit
I got it done when it was a red laser, and they cut my cornea open with a medical grade cigar cutter. Unfocused center with a focused ring around the periphery, then flipped my cornea back into place and everything came into focus like twisting the eye ring on a set of binoculars.
Iancshafer@reddit
I’d also consider Visian, which is an implantable lens. I originally went in for a consult on Lasik, but wasn’t a candidate due to thinness of my cornea.
Benefits include ability to have lasik later on to “touch up” your script, no “starburst” patterns around lights at night, and it is reversible.
Downside, more expensive, more invasive higher risk of infection.
A couple friends that had lasik really complained about the night starburst effects while driving and needed night driving glasses.
zkoolie@reddit
Be aware that you risk messing your eyes up forever
__joel_t@reddit
Nothing in life is risk free. I risk dying just driving to the airport, and I risk dying just flying GA. I decided that the benefits of driving to the airport and flying GA outweigh the risks, and I decided years ago the expected benefits of LASIK outweigh the risks. Other people will feel differently, and there's nothing wrong with that. But it's important to put that risk into context.
zkoolie@reddit
I want a career in the field so no it’s not really worth it when I have no problem with glasses or contacts
__joel_t@reddit
Totally reasonable risk assessment for you.
Statements like
to me read the same as, "Beware driving to work; you risk a drunk or distracted driver hitting you and permanently disabling or killing you."
Objectively, that is a possible risk, just the same as you call out with LASIK. However, without putting the quantity of risk in perspective, I see this kind of commentary as fear mongering. At the very least, you should try to quantify the risk and explain your own cost-benefit reasoning.
zkoolie@reddit
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/penn-hills-officer-suicide-lasik-letter-fda/
‘FDA advisor who approved LASIK said he regrets it’
__joel_t@reddit
"Every FDA advisor who voted to approve LASIK stands by it, except one."
"Perso whose opinion no longer matters gives us no reason to start paying attention to him."
I can write headlines too!
There are no hard data about the rate of complications, just anecdotes.
-Eugene-H-Krabs-@reddit
You could also be in the middle of a flight and for whatever reason a contact falls out and your depth perception is shot. If I were actively working I might not do it because it could take some time to get a medical back but I got PRK and I’m already very happy with it 2 months out
zkoolie@reddit
Glad to hear it worked for u homie
taxcheat@reddit
Contacts have risks of their own. I had eye infections, stuck lenses, and I even developed an allergy to the saline brand I was using, pre-lasik.
Though, glasses are pretty safe. If you injure yourself with them, you probably shouldn't be flying.
randytc18@reddit
Yup. Lots of people are successful lasik patients but it just takes one issue to screw up your vision. One of my dad's eyes in beyond any repair from lasik.
jtyson1991@reddit
Can you share what happened?
Ok_Truck_5092@reddit
I personally had a bad experience. I’m told the physical reaction I had to the surgery is rare but it still happened and I’ll share it. In the end it wasn’t worth it to me.
I was told by the clinic I would’ve be given Xanax, but when I showed up they gave me a stuffed animal to squeeze during the procedure. You have to lay there still as possible while the epithelium of your eyeball is peeled back and the world goes blurry. You can then smell your own eyeballs burning. Despite everyone including the doctor telling me the recovery is a breeze, it was some of the worst pain I have experienced. Until the Benadryl I attempted to sedate myself with at home kicked in and I finally fell asleep, it felt like someone was scraping my eyes repeatedly with sandpaper. I was legitimately crying and sweating on my way home. I have a high pain tolerance.
I will say that it was pretty cool to wake up the next day and not need glasses. However I was only 23 when I had the procedure and I’m already wearing glasses again less than 10 years later. I’ll stick to the glasses.
Squawk1000@reddit
That's something to really think about carefully when weighing the risks of the procedure: you're going to end up in glasses anyway as your eyes deteriorate in your 40s and 50s. Is LASIK worth the risk in your 30s and beyond for a 5-10 years of living without glasses? For me it isn't.
Ok_Truck_5092@reddit
I was desperately trying to get within uncorrected vision standards for military aviation. That didn’t work out for me for a different issue, but I was willing to do anything. I wouldn’t do it now.
ResponsibilityOld164@reddit
congrats you’ve convinced me to stick with my glasses
aftcg@reddit
Wait till your eyes stop changing. I got mine zapped at 34, about 2 years after they stopped changing px. At 49, I now need px cheaters for the panel but still 20x15 for distance.
Jay18001@reddit
I chose PRK because the idea of having a flap on my eye was unsettling. Initially, my vision was blurry for about a week but gradually improved. My doctor advised keeping my eyes closed as much as possible during the first few days, so I spent my time resting in bed or on the couch, listening to an audiobook series. I also had to apply eye drops every 20 minutes, which was quite bothersome. Additionally, I needed to wear sunglasses outdoors for a year. Fortunately, I didn’t experience any pain, but looking at computer screens was challenging for about a month. I haven’t had any other problems since and have 20/20. I was flying about a month after the surgery and renewed my medical 2 or 3 months after the surgery to remove the glasses restriction.
Derp_Animal@reddit
Tave a look here before you go ahead: r/lasiksupport.
CrossBamboAtTen@reddit
I was about your age when I got PRK. PRK is similar to LASIK. It was great and recovery was pretty quick. But my eyes eventually got worse. So I recommend it but wait til you’re at least 30 in my opinion unless you think you absolutely need it now.
Intelligent-Fox3791@reddit
In a similar boat as you. Talked to an optometrist and she told me that there was a chance that I wouldn't even get 20/20 vision, and a 1-2% of complications. (Most of these complications aren't a huge deal for most people, but can be enough to disqualify you from a medical) Overall, the risk is small, but it's not worth it to me. I would talk to an optometrist and/or AME about your specific situation. Just want you to be aware of the risks, not trying to scare you away from doing it.
Worried-Specialist-4@reddit
Had it done 20 yrs ago after I quit flying. The 20/15 vision has been great, but I do have starbursts around lights at night. It drove me crazy the first couple years, but now Im used to them. I think it could be incredibly distracting flying at night, but can’t confirm as I haven’t flown since. Driving at night is bad enough though with starbursts coming off of headlights that stretch across the windshield. Wish I could say it was all great, but knowing how mine turned out, I wouldn’t do it again if I was currently flying. I was told something like 5-10% get halos and starbursts, but I question the validity of those numbers as I have spoken to several others who also have them. Who is tracking that info and who are they reporting it to? They just do your follow up appointments and tell you they will go away in time. Still waiting here.
canuck791@reddit
I highly suggest looking into all laser PRK or "transPRK"... no cutting involved. I had this done 10 years ago and great results. I know a number of other pilots who also had this done.
Make sure you find a great doctor, dont' go to one of those lasikMD places.
Few_Party294@reddit
It’s been 16 years since my operation and my vision is still 20/16 in both eyes.
My sister-in-law got her operation done two years ago and just got glasses again today due to an astigmatism.
kevinossia@reddit
Seems like an unnecessary risk. And for what? Not having to wear glasses?
The shape of your eye changes as you age. Getting LASIK done this early means you may need it a second or third time in the coming decades. But the issue is that they can only carve out so much of your cornea/lens before there's nothing left to laser. At that point you're wearing glasses either way.
Cost/benefit analysis is skewed against it pretty badly.
minfremi@reddit
The convenience of not having to look for said glasses every morning is one reason
Mike734@reddit
I had it done about 20 years ago. At the time I had the option to pay more for, “wavefront” lasik. I don’t know what’s available today.
I waited until I had been a captain for a major for a year because we had a disability policy that would pay me 1/2 my previous year’s pay until I turned 65 if I lost my ability to get a medical as a result of the procedure. The procedure was successful and I went on to fly for them until I retired at 65 last year. I recommend it. I have no regrets.
That said, there is one issue that is only now a “problem.” Now that I’m older, I’m going to have cataract surgery soon. The surgeon says the results will not be as predictable BECAUSE I had lasik. It has something to do with a cornea that has been manipulated and therefore the calculations for the implant are not as precise. Bottom line, I may have to wear glasses after the fact for perfect vision.
CarelessBlacksmith68@reddit
Consider PRK
-Eugene-H-Krabs-@reddit
I got PRK the only concern would be it’s gonna take longer to get a medical back but long term I’d say the results are better
planegoeswoosh@reddit
Ive heard so many stories of lasik surgeries going wrong. Ive spent too much money to lose it all because of someone else mistake. Ik the odds are like 1%, but why risk it
NeuroBuilder0117@reddit
“but why risk it”
To have better vision.
planegoeswoosh@reddit
Your vision is 20/20 with glasses. Your vision isnt better, you just risk 500k a year. Not saying I wasnt tempted, there are risks involved and i dont think its worth it
usd2bfast@reddit
If the ophthalmologist starts talking about “monovision” do your research before going in that direction.
Several-Village5814@reddit
There is a reason most eye doctors wear glasses and choose not to get LASIK. Risk is small, but if it happens you will have the side effects the rest of your life possibly.
ywgflyer@reddit
Yeah, and for us, the side effects are a bit worse than for most people.
"You can't do your 300 grand a year job anymore, maybe try applying at Home Depot" is a hell of a side effect.
Several-Village5814@reddit
Another thing an eye doctor told me is that he has seen glasses protect dozens of people from eye injuries such as metal or other debris
PILOT9000@reddit
LASIK worked very well for me.
Your surgeon will fill out your paperwork reporting stable vision and no side effects. Take the papers to your AME next medical renewal and you’re good to go.
That said, you’re probably a little young to be a quality candidate for the procedure.
Frost_907@reddit
Have not gotten it myself but do have a family member (uncle) that went through the procedure and told me all about it. Overall it worked pretty good for him however there are some things to be aware of. Firstly is that if your eyes are still getting worse then the procedure will not be a permanent fix and you’ll either need glasses or another procedure down the road. Secondly, and this is important as a pilot, it can permanently mess with your night vision. Essentially any light source in a dark environment will produce a halo effect around it. In a cockpit with lots of small lights and switches that might be a little hindering.
I have heard of people not experiencing that halo effect but my uncle did have that happen to him and it never got any better with time.
PILOT9000@reddit
I had LASIK and did not experience any halos day or night. Like changing, in a positive way.
Your surgeon will fill out your paperwork reporting stable vision and no side effects. Take the papers to your AME next medical renewal and you’re good to go.
glamppmalg@reddit
Not a pilot (yet, start next month) lasik was the best money that I have ever spent in my life. It is the number one upgrade that I have ever given myself and I cannot recommend it more. Go to one of the lasik mills that do the a lot of surgeries. Recovery for me was about a week, but it was painless after I went home and took a nap post procedure.
Toomuchmilk23@reddit
Obligatory “Ask your AME” here. I had LASIK prior to holding a medical, so I cannot speak on the process on returning to flying afterwards.
But the recovery from LASIK was very easy for me. The surgery is weird, as you’re awake and aware for it. Walked out and was driven home. Took a prescribed Valium to go to sleep, woke up ~5 hours later with no pain and very slightly blurry vision. 20/15 vision without blur 24 hours post-op. Returned to normal activities 3 days later (minus impact sports).
LASIK was amazing for me, and I would recommend it for most young, healthy adults who don’t like wearing glasses or contacts. If you’re really into impact sports, look into PRK or ICL instead.
phlflyguy@reddit
When I got LASIK 22 years back, I had to get a letter from my Opthomologist verifying my vision once I was recovered. The FAA has guidance that's probably more evolved since then so check.
https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/lasereye_ii.pdf
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/et/31-34/rp
The FAA expects that airmen will not resume airman duties until their treating health care professional determines that their post-operative vision has stabilized, there are no significant adverse effects or complications (such as halos, rings, haze, impaired night vision and glare), the appropriate vision standards are met, and reviewed by an Examiner or AMCD. When this determination is made, the airman should have the treating health care professional document this in the health care record, a copy of which should be forwarded to the AMCD before resumption of airman duties. If the health care professional's determination is favorable, the applicant may resume airman duties, after consultation and review by an Examiner, unless informed otherwise by the FAA.
Straight-Dot-6264@reddit
I got my ppl years later so can’t speak about that, but getting lasik was a great decision for me. Got it done, went home and went to bed, woke up the next morning and went about my day. Zero issues. I had it done ~20 years ago and I’m still seeing 20/20. I would hands down do it again, I hated contacts and especially hated glasses.
Babaich@reddit
AME
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Commercial or ATP pilots, I’m thinking about getting LASIK done, Im 26 and currently work at a 135. I hold a 1st class medical with prescription glasses.
What’s the process like? Recovery time? Any side effects you’ve experienced?
Would you recommend it?
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.
AutoModerator@reddit
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: LASIK.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.