Hello all, I have a questions about corrective eye surgery and the air force.

I am 16 and finishing up my junior year in high school. When I get out, I plan to apply for the academy or ROTC at another college. The problem is, I feel like my eyesight is horrible. I'm the kind of guy who has trouble reading the board at school and has to wear glasses while driving. My eyesight is around 20/50, and I hear that isn't that bad, but I really would like to know what I can do about it. Right now I'm torn between the careers of pilot or combat rescue officer, but I know I need good eyes to do both.

All the research I've done has given me no definitive answer about corrective eye surgery. I've been told that corrective eye surgery is immediately disqualifying, but that PRK may be waiverable. Is a waiver easy to obtain? How exactly does one go about doing that? Has anyone done it? I've heard that the air force actually offers corrective eye surgery, is that true? Is this more/less common that I think it is? I've heard that the surgery is waiverable 1 year after the procedure. Does that mean I should do it now or later?

Another quick question is about asthma. I was diagnosed as a child with asthma which is an automatic DQ for the air force. I haven't had symptoms for years now and I can run miles without any problems whatsoever. I was wondering if I could go get checked out by my doctor for any asthma/respitory problems and then bring those results to MEPS with me.

I want to do this more than anything else, but I want to make sure that my body can keep up with my aspirations.

Thanks for all the help in advance guys.

Ergosum

You really need to think about what you are asking here. Lets leave the eye's issue as a back burner for a minute. It's the asthma thats the reall kicker here. As any type of pilot, the military is going to place you in an atmospheric chamber and simulate altitude. While you may not have had any issues with asthma while running around on the ground for years, trust me, once you reach a simulated altitude, its going to reappear and with a vengence. They won't even let someone with a history of asthma in an atmsospheric chamber as they can't get you out quick enough without killing you and everyone else in that chamber. You can't just open the door and walk out.

Talk to a recruiter to see what you do qualify for.

Thanks for the honest, straight foreword answer Gunny. I've read that the Air Force sometimes considers people that haven't had asthma symptoms since the age of 12. I haven't had any such symptoms since long before 12. Still though, I think I should look more into this. I have heard of people like me who have flown their entire Air Force career with no problems whatsoever, but I've also heard of people who have died because they lied about their history of childhood asthma and neglected to say anything when the training became too much.

What's the best way to find out more about my suitability to fly planes in the Air Force? I can't really think of anything besides seeing my doctor and having a pulmonary exam. Is their any other way to see how someone reacts to high elevation and lack of oxygen?

I will talk to a recruiter and see what other options I have in case flying doesn't work out. I'm looking at a bunch of different options regardless because I might not get a pilot slot even if my childhood asthma checks out. The needs of the Air Force come first. I can't give up on being a pilot just yet though. I truly believe that I can perform and I'll keep going after that pilot slot until they drag me away kicking and screaming.

Definately speak to the recruiter, perhaps he can setup something with an Air Force doctor to get you an answer.

Stay true to your dreams, and good luck. Let us know how it turns out.