medical exam/lasik question

[bricardo]

Hi all, Im an aspiring student pilot and will soon be visiting an AME for an 1st Class Medical Certificate.

My concern is that I had a LASIK procedure done 4 months ago but still having problems with night vision(specificly, "starbursts" and soft "halos" around street lamps and headlights).My visual acuity is better than 20/20, but its the night vision issues that have'nt resolved themselves.

Would the examiner consider this a condition for a rejection? Could I still be granted an 1st class medical if its treatable?

I know that I should just wait for the examination but my nerves are wracked as my career plans/dreams are at stake.

Your replies are greatly appreciated.

[shorty]

I'm not a doctor, and the only one who can really answer that question is an Aviation Medical Examiner. There's nothing wrong with calling and asking one prior to your exam. if you go to faa.gov, there is a web site with a FAQ page. They also have a telephone number for the office in oaklahoma. In my expereince, though sometimes slow in getting back to you, they have been happy to answer questions for pilots.

If the only problem you have is with night vision, you probably won't be "rejected" but will have a night restriction, which can later be removed or waivered.

The procedure is not uncommon, I wouldn't worry about it too much, the condition is temporary, right?

[Austineb]

Hello, Im new here but had lasik about a year ago, I have 20/10 now. The night vision thing should go away pretty soon. After the swelling went away (takes a while) my night vision got verry good. I wouldnt worry to much.

[kenchie]

Hi all, Im an aspiring student pilot and will soon be visiting an AME for an 1st Class Medical Certificate.

My concern is that I had a LASIK procedure done 4 months ago but still having problems with night vision(specificly, "starbursts" and soft "halos" around street lamps and headlights).My visual acuity is better than 20/20, but its the night vision issues that have'nt resolved themselves.

Would the examiner consider this a condition for a rejection? Could I still be granted an 1st class medical if its treatable?

I know that I should just wait for the examination but my nerves are wracked as my career plans/dreams are at stake.

Your replies are greatly appreciated.

Hi BRicardo, yes there are nighttime side-effects of LASIK may include seeing halos, starbursts, blurry vision, and glare around lights. Some of these effects can be caused by overcorrection, under correction, or residual astigmatism. These effects usually diminish as the eye heals in the first three to six months following treatment... This site can help you know more the solution of your side-effects of lasik Lasik Kansas City, St Louis, Creve Coeur, Missouri - Lasik 1 Centers. God Bless you and hope that one helps

[bricardo]

Well, I finally went to the AME and picked up my 1st class medical with no restrictions.Things are not all good however, as Im still having the same problems with my night vision and I think it might be permanent.

I told my AME about it (as well as checked the box on my application, indicating I have vision problems), and he said that once Oklahoma reviews my file they might write to me requesting info from my optometrist.Or they might not. After the exam he just told me to be careful and that later down the line to just "watch it".

I really dont know how to feel about this. I think Im gonna call one of the local flight schools and ask them to take me on a night-time flight, just to see how comfortable I am. Well see...

Oh and by the way, thanks for your responses!

[drboothedallas]

I had LASIK done in October of 2009 with Dr. Boothe at Boothe Laser Center in Dallas. Best thing ever. Dr. William Boothe is the best!