Lasik

[Pel]

My vision isnt great and I was thinking about getting the eye surgery done...

Ups?

Downs?

Will it ruin any MOS that I might want to do like Force Recon?

[immaproshooter]

im not sure it will ruin it unless the surgery goes bad because all the stuff i believe says vision correctable to 20/20 or something along those lines

[mucho]

pel: I've heard that you cant get lasik before MCRD, if you do, it would disqualify you... but after MCRD you can have it, and the Corps will pay for it...

[gatormatt]

My OSO told me not to get any eye surgery until after I became a Marine. He said its not worth the risk. Wait it out, a little more time with glasses/contacts won't kill you. Beside the BCGs they issue you are very stylish.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

WOW, lots of rumors flying around here. I don't know what the true story is, but I will try to find out. However, I would guess that the Marine Corps isn't going to pay for the surgery... especially if it is not REALLY needed. That being said, I know the Navy allows people to become SEALS that have had it done, and will in fact get it done for them if they pass BUD/S and need it to qualify.

Keep checking back here. I am sure if I don't find the information one of the other Marines or motivated Poolees will find it for you.

[fulmetaljackass]

My advice for what it's worth.....if you don't have any condition now that disqualifies you from enlisting, don't change a d!&n thing except for improving your pft scores and prac.

[Toby M]

I had lasic done a couple of years ago and it takes a few months for your eyesight to adjust. I didn't have any problems at all. It is the best decision I have ever made regarding my health. Bottom line, if you are due to enter boot camp in a couple of weeks or months, it is better to wait. The "problems" I encountered mostly dealt with night vision issues but those have been corrected. You will love the freedom of not wearing glasses or contact (they don't interact well with rain and mud)!

[Pel]

But Say Im not shipped off for a year... Bottom line... Do I do it before training? Some of the others said no... and I will probably wait... I just want to try and get some hard fact statements and maybe find some people that have done it before boot camp and some that did it after... Thanks again

[immaproshooter]

unltimately its on your shoulders no one else can make this decision for you Pel......

[mucho]

Pel, you should try calling your local recruiter, he would know alot better than any of us the Marine Corps policy on Lasik surgery.

[Toby M]

As proshooter said, it's your decision to make but from my standpoint, it would be better to have several months in between the operation and boot camp. Boot camp is hard enough as it is and you don't want to have any distractions or complications to worry or even think about. Good luck...

[mucho]

here you go Pel:

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/blnavylasereyesurgery.htm

that has the current navy/Marine Corps policy for Lasik surgery.

[Sixguns]

Lasik is not widely accepted by MEPS or its medical staff. You will require a waiver just to join if you have the procedure done before you enllist or ship. Please reconsider your options. The military has just started offering this procedure to limited numbers of active duty folks. Consult your recruiter first.

Sixguns

[CAPTZURLO]

If you plan to fly, the Marine Corps will only take the PRK surgery, not lasik. You may want to talk to someone that knows more about the subject than me. My friend had PRK done and he said that your eyes are alot more sensitive during the recovery process.

[jdfairman]

CAPT is correct. If you plan to fly, LASIK is disqualifying. PRK is accepted, but you will have to pay for it yourself. And no... as far as I know, no branch will pay for your LASIK.

[Sixguns]

I hate to correct the 2ndLt. but servicemembers in the DC area are getting LASIK procedures done by contract doctors being paid by DOD. I was on the list but with the priority I was given, I would never get it done while in service (1 year left before retirement). I did pay to have it done. I am thoroughly happy I did. You may also want to review the differences between PRK and LASIK. PRK is a lot more dangerous than LASIK. If you do anything, do LASIK and skip PRK. Even if you have to pay.


SF,

Sixguns

[Pel]

I talked to my Recruiter and he told me to wait untill Im done with boot camp and that the benifits Ill get from being a Marine will pay for it.

[Sixguns]

The Corps isn't going to pay for elective surgery. But you can investigate whether servicemembers are being offered the procedure through military medicine.

Sixguns

[jdfairman]

Sorry about that Staff Sgt. I thought that LASIK was disqualifying for any MOS. Turns out its just that way for us airdale types. LASIK is indeed being done for some service members. As long as you don't ever plan on being in an MOS involving flying, go for it.