Air Force officials have changed policy to allow people applying for aviation and aviation-related jobs to have had LASIK eye surgery.

Effective May 21, the change also removes the altitude and high-performance aircraft restrictions for people who have had LASIK

The decision was based on studies that showed little to no effect on LASIKtreated eyes subjected to the wind blast or exposure to high altitude.

Due to stresses placed on the eyes during flight, combined with the active lifestyle of military members, the recommended refractive surgeries are Wave Front Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy and Wave Front Guided Laser InSitu Keratomileusis using the femtosecond laser.

In a memo released last month, however, the Air Force indicated that such surgeries are elective and are not covered by Tricare benefits. In addition, the memo stated that those "[w]ho undergo unauthorized [refractive surgery] treatment may be disqualified or restricted from certain duties."

Individuals still must meet the standards prescribed in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards, for entrance into the Air Force and aviation and special-duty positions.

Additional information and guidance can be found at http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/USAF-RS

Air Force officials encourage service personnel to follow guidelines to ensure procedures meet force requirements.

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