Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ms. Cynthia Bedell,

    I'm currently in DEP status just last August2009. I passed my eye exam, but recently I found out that I have cataract on my left eye and it's kind of interfering my eye vision. I am leaving on May. I am worried that I might be disqualified and won't be able to leave for training (NAVY CORPSMAN). I am planning on having a surgery immediately. They said that the healing period is only for 3days with several medications afterwards. I told my recruiter and he said it's up to me, if I do the surgery he would document it. I really don't know what to do. I really need this opportunity. It's all i've got and it's a very big deal. Please tell me where I stand, or the possibilities of being discharged with and without surgery. Please tell me what I can do.

Respectfully Yours,
JOY

ANSWER: Dear Joy --

I cannot predict what will happen in your circumstances.  Your vision must be correctable to 20/20 to be able to serve.  Cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses and must be corrected with surgery.

If the surgery is minor and your eyesight is correctable to 20/20 afterward, you should still be able to enter the service with a waiver for the cataract surgery.  However, waivers are not guaranteed.

If the surgery is major and leaves you with a prosthetic cornea, you will not be able to serve.  That prosthetic cornea is not currently waiverable.

If your eyesight is 20/20 (with or without glasses) currently, without surgery, then you should enter the service according to your current contract, and get your cataract removed when it becomes an issue.

Please write back, if you have additional questions or concerns.  Good luck to you.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I had a check up and the doctor said my left eye's vision is 20/50 even with glasses, but 20/20 if using both eyes. So does that mean, I have no chance of getting in (discharged)?

ANSWER: Dear Joy --

You might be able to get a waiver for your 20/50 left eye since you are 20/20 with both eyes.  That waiver is not guaranteed, however.

I recommend asking your recruiter, if you both can go in and discuss your situation with the recruiting station commander.  He may have more insight into the possibility of waivers for your particular circumstances.

Finally, if the doctor removes your cataract, will you have sufficient cornea remaining, or will you need a prosthetic cornea.  Your cataract surgery might be waiverable, if you will not need a prosthetic cornea.

Good luck to you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again Ms. Cynthia Bedell,

     According to my 3rd doctor there's nothing wrong with my eyes, but even if i have glasses with the correct prescription, my left eye is still blurry at times. The doctor said my eyes might have been that way since birth, but they seem to be normal. He said there's nothing to worry about, but I can't help not to worry cause I know it's still blurry. If they find out at the eye exam at bootcamp, would they send me home?

Answer
Dear Joy --

If you are 20/40 is one eye, but correctable to 20/20 when using both eyes, you should be able to enter the service.  I would relax, and take some practice eye tests, so you are calm and do your best at the MEPS physical.  The more familiar you are with the various eye tests, the less nervous you will be taking them at MEPS.  You should perform as well as possible if calm and relaxed.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.