LASIK

Gunner · February 10, 2006

I'm thinking about LASIK. If any of you all have had this done what are the process and procedures for getting a medical afterwards? I think there is a form you have to fill out notifying the FAA that you have had the surgery.

Anyone out there been through the process?

Thanks...

PhotoFlyer · February 10, 2006

Check out this thread, it has some links about lasik.

Once you have the procedure you can return to flying once your doctor approves you to return to work. However, I think it would be safer to wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure. Except for certain procedures (I am trying to find out what they are called) you don't need to report it until your next physical. You will need to bring an Eye Evaluation Form, Form 8500-7, filled out by your eye doctor, to your physical to give to the AME. Be sure the eye doctor notes the name of the procedure you received on the form.

It is fairly easy, and when I had it done there were no hoops to jump through.

PhotoFlyer · February 10, 2006

If you receive monocular correction (one eye for distance, one for near) then there is a 6 month stabilization period where you will have to wear glasses or contacts when you fly. Procedures that were not approved don't appear to be offered any longer, so it shouldn't be a concern.

klas · February 10, 2006

I'm thinking about LASIK. If any of you all have had this done what are the process and procedures for getting a medical afterwards? I think there is a form you have to fill out notifying the FAA that you have had the surgery.

Anyone out there been through the process?

Thanks...

I had LASIK and never mentioned anything about it in my physical, nor was I asked if I had it. I never had to fill out any form, but I had completed it prior to starting training.

troops23 · February 10, 2006

I had it done here in Toronto. For Transport Canada, there is a mandatory 3 month grounding for pilots who have it done. There is also a form that your surgeon and eye doc need to fill out over a those 3 months, 6 if you've had a PRK. After that, your medical examiner has to sign off on your medical, removing your corrective lens restriction. Best $4300 I've spent to be sure, I see better than 20/20.

delorean · February 11, 2006

I had it done in Toronto about 6 years ago. My AME was an opthomologist and he just wanted a note from a MD at the local LASIK clinic stating my vision had stabilized, which they gave me after about 7 days.

I didn't do any night flights for about a month though. Your eyes get VERY tired at night after LASIK.

Best money I ever spent, besides flight training.