Is LASIK free in military?

In the military, laser vision correction is free and their military doctors have extensive experience. Generally speaking, soldiers are young and do very well with laser vision correction.


Does military pay for eye surgery?

All active-duty Soldiers (Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines) with 18 months remaining on active duty order are eligible for refractive surgery under the WRESP if they meet the following criteria: Approval by Commanding Officer (rank of O-3 or above)

How do you qualify for LASIK in the military?

During this process, military members must receive permission from their commander to undergo the procedure, be medically qualified, have a stable eyeglass prescription, and have specific time left on active duty, usually at least six to 12 months. More details are available at the laser eye surgery center websites.


Does military allow LASIK?

All branches of the military now permit some form of refractive surgery, but certain personnel may need a waiver. Here are some of the benefits to choosing LASIK as a mode of vision correction: Eliminates the need to carry glasses or contact lenses. Eliminates the risk of broken glasses.

Why does the military not allow LASIK?

The Navy now also accepts (and performs) LASIK candidates for most all training avenues including combat. The original concern with LASIK was that in situations of high physical stress the flap might be more vulnerable to traumatic avulsion (dislocation). In PRK there is no flap.


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Does LASIK last forever?

While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of LASIK will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need an enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.

How to get Air Force to pay for LASIK?

Answer: The Department of Defense allows individuals who have had the LASIK procedure to receive a medical waiver and enter military service. You will need to provide copies of all medical records and at least twelve months has to have elapsed since the surgery.

Does TRICARE pay for eye surgery?

TRICARE covers many eye surgeries and treatments. Generally, this includes services and supplies needed to diagnose and treat an eye illness or injury.


What eyesight disqualifies you from the military?

From OPM: Corrected distant vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye. Uncorrected distant vision is required only if it is likely that corrective lenses may be lost or broken. If so, uncorrected distant vision must be at least 20/100 binocular. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required.

What eye surgery does the military accept?

PRK and LASIK eye surgeries, permitted by the military for the last two decades, have enabled many people to join and do specialized jobs who otherwise could not have qualified.

Who is unfit for LASIK?

Thin corneas: In Lasik surgery, laser is used to change the curvature of the cornea and this whole process makes cornea thinner by some amount which is dependent on patients' eye power. So, if a patient already has thin corneas then the procedure may not be safe.


Does LASIK make you non deployable?

Though the majority of the healing process only takes a few days, the service member will not be deployable for six weeks (for LASIK) to three months (for PRK) after the procedure. This is to minimize the risk of injury and complications and promote optimal healing conditions.

Who is not eligible for LASIK?

If the patient has any disease that alters the activity of immune systems such as rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and various other autoimmune disorders, he may not be eligible for undergoing LASIK surgery.

How do I get my Navy to pay for LASIK?

LASIK and Military Service
  1. The Navy and Marine Corps may actually pay for LASIK surgery for soldiers, provided they are not in aviation, diving, or special forces, and they enroll in the Navy LASIK Study program.
  2. The Army also has similar requirements regarding LASIK surgery.


Should I get LASIK before joining the military?

No, you will not be disqualified from service but you do have to wait so long after the surgery before you can enlist. I think it's between 6 months to a year. Check with your local recruiter as they would have the most updated information.

How much is Lasik eye surgery?

The Average Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery. The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies drastically, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, the average price for LASIK surgery in the U.S. in 2020 was $2,632 per eye, according to a 2021 report in Clinical Ophthalmology.

How tall is too tall for the military?

The ideal height requirement for men in the military is between 60-80 inches / 152-203 cm. Anyone above or below this requirement is likely to get rejected.


Does military get free glasses?

If you get called to active duty, you'll get glasses like an active duty service member.

Can astigmatism keep you out of the military?

However, for entrance into USMA or Army ROTC programs, the following conditions are disqualifying: (1) Astigmatism, all types over three diopters. (2) Hyperopia over eight diopters spherical equivalent. (3) Myopia over eight diopters spherical equivalent.

Is LASIK free with TRICARE?

TRICARE doesn't cover lasik surgery.


What does TRICARE not pay for?

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

Does TRICARE cover braces?

Orthodontia, including braces and retainers, is only covered when it is related to correction of a severe congenital abnormality, such as a cleft palate. See Adjunctive Dental Care. Disclaimer: This list of covered services is not all inclusive.

Is LASIK or PRK better for military?

LASIK is performed in the Army; however, surface ablation, such as PRK and LASEK, is the preferred procedure to be performed on combat-bound soldiers and others in special operations.


Can you be a sniper with LASIK?

Both night vision problems and dry eyes (which can happen with LASIK) can be dangerous for military members and their teams, especially if they're flying, sniping, spotting, or leading a mission – particularly at night.

Can you get 20 20 vision with LASIK?

In most cases, LASIK has the potential to provide 20/20 vision. However, some people – including those who have higher prescriptions – may not achieve this level of visual acuity after laser surgery. If your vision is blurred beyond a certain point, you may still need a prescription for glasses or contacts.