Post PRK Laser Eye Surgery

[gocaps16]

OK, so I currently hold a third class medical valid for another 3 years. I am under 40 years old. I had PRK laser eye surgery this past Monday. (5 days ago)
So far everything is normal on my 4 day post follow-up appointment. However, I'm seeing about 20/40 and 20/70 uncorrective respectively. I was at 20/400 before the surgery but corrected to 20/20 with my contacts. So, I have a first class medical exam with my local AME next month but if my vision does not improve, I can reschedule until I am 20/20. So far, my Naval Doc has NOT filled out my FAA 8500-7 Eye Evaluation form yet. When will it be the best time for my doc to fill this paperwork out so I can mail it to the FAA or hand it to my AME? My 1 month post follow up appointment is in 3 weeks so I'm hoping for 20/20 by that time and plan on bringing the form with? Your thoughts, experience, concerns? Also, if my vision does improve, can I hop on a plane and go flying if I feel it is deemed safe to do so? I read that is possible as my medical is still valid.
Thanks.

 

[ScorpionStinger]

I PRK done back in 2004.... I saw 20/20 right away right after they squirted liquid in my eyes, told me to get up, and tell them the time on the clock (which was far away)... I went from being 20/100 to 20/20 right away.... I'm back up to 20/30 or 20/40 now and use contacts. We've since learned it's not permanent. Healing took like 2-3 days (1st or 2nd night being the most annoying, tinny particle in the eye sort of feeling, eye drops helped)...

I mean if your not 20/20 1 week after the surgery, I'd say go get new contacts/glasses, and have it correctable to 20/20 for the 1st class. FAA just wants your vision stable. Should definately be stable at the end of the week. They just want to make sure you heal properly, no infection, and your vision does not worsen.

I personally have never heard of PRK healing taking weeks before seeing 20/20.

 

[ScorpionStinger]

Go to WALMART eye center..... Ask them if you can use their Eye chart to see if your 20/20.... They are friendly and will let you. If they say no, pay them $25 for an eye exam... Then give them the Stink Eye look & Attitude for not letting you look at a retarded eye chart from 20 feet.

 

[gocaps16]

The day after my PRK surgery, I went from 20/500 to 20/30 left and 20/40 right but very blurry. It got worse during the 4 days of healing time, but now I am probably almost 20/30 but still blurry both eyes and at night, my vision is probably 20/50.If I go back to contacts or glasses just for my flight physical, that will not take my restriction off to "wear corrective lenses" when I fly. I was told after laser surgery I would have to get this removed eventually. I know it's senseless if an FAA inspector comes and ask "are you wearing your contact lenses?" I read that most PRK candidate have good clarity vision within 4-5 weeks after PRK after the known effects diminish. I just want my eye doc to sign my FAA form 8500-7 that I am 20/20 uncorrected filled out, otherwise if I'm still 20/40, then does this mean I am disqualify or have to wait until my 3 months post op check? I have my 1 month post op on June 20 and my FAA medical scheduled June 21. Let's hope I am 20/20 by then. I really don't want to check yes if I wear contacts/glasses and then a week later, I do not need them anymore for 10-15 years.

 

[Plata]

You are all worked up about a non-issue. If you have the corrective lenses required statement on your next medical but your vision improves afterwards, so what? It's not like a lifelong branding: when you go for your following medical and you can read the eye chart without specs the doctor will remove the limitation.

Most people need glasses once they reach 45-50, so chances are you will eventually get the corrective lenses restriction added to your medical around that age. It's really not a big deal.

 

[Stoneage]

See: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/LaserEye_II.pdf

from page 10

The FAA requires that civil airmen with refractive surgical procedures
(e.g., PRK, LASIK) discontinue fl ying until their eyecare specialist
has determined that their vision is stable and there are no signifi cant
adverse effects or complications. The airman should submit one of
two documents to the FAA (a report from their eyecare specialist or
“Report of Eye Evaluation” [FAA-8500-7]). These reports can be
submitted directly to the Aerospace Medical Certifi cation Division
when released from care, or to their Aviation Medical Examiner
during their next fl ight physical. This report should state:

“. . . . that the airman meets the visual acuity standards and the
report of eye evaluation indicates healing is complete, visual acuity
remains stable, and the applicant does not suffer sequela, such as
glare intolerance, halos, rings, impaired night vision, or any other
complications. . . .” (Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, July
2005)


You want to have this form done before your FAA medical exam if in doubt delay your FAA exam. If possible get an appointment with a Naval Fight Surgeon to see if you could pass the FAA 1st class medical exam before actually having a FAA medical exam.

 

[splash]

Oh, just memorize the eye chart. There's only 3 versions out there.