Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 2/26/2006

Question
Dear Ismar,

I am currently debating whether or not to have eye surgery, mainly because of the risks. (and not to mention the price) I am near sighted, and must wear lenses/glasses. My question is: Is it worth (long term/short term) having a refractive eye surgery done, or stick with wearing lenses/glasses? Also what are the risks/complications/drawbacks/disqualifications of each, (PK, PRK, LASIK, ect...) for pilots as far as the AAF, and thier safety standards, are concerned?

--Thanks in advance for answering my question!


Answer
Michael!
If your goals are toward civil aviation and airline pilot position in that case it is apsolutelly your decision if you want to have an eye-surgery. Because the requirements are thyat you have to have 20/20 corrected or uncorrected vision for class 1 medical exam. PR. PRK, and LASIK are completelly approved for pilots in this moment, however there is risk, you cal loose your sight completely, and those risk are presented to you before surgery.
You can be airline pilot with glasses, you can get an ATP medical exam with glasses, so really you do not have to have eye-surgery to get an ATPL medical certificate.
I do not want to scare you , but a month ago one of my friends an retired Tuscagee airman pilot from second world war , an P51 fighter pilot decide to do an LASIK surgery for his eyes. The poor man almost lost vision completely, it apparently the an of famous Beverly Hills vision doctors scrup up alignment on laser equipment. The same guy right now going throu the court with this Beverly Hills expert, but unfortunately he lost his medical, now the only way that he can fly is with othet instructor or other pilot.
I do personally wear glasses, I have thought about surgery, but again what is the point I can get my ATP medical with glasses, and by the way I look cool with glasses. So I will keep it.

Ismar