Can someone explain the vision requirements for entering the Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the Naval Academy but a bit worried about their vision requirements. Can someone break down what kind of vision is acceptable and whether corrective surgery is ever an option?

Sure, I can help with that. The US Naval Academy does have specific eyesight requirements for its applicants. Candidates who require corrective eyewear can still be considered, but their vision must be correctable to 20/20. The specific vision requirements for entering midshipmen are as follows:

1. Distant Visual Acuity: Unaided vision should be no worse than 20/40 in the best eye and 20/100 in the worst eye. However, both eyes need to be correctable to 20/20.

2. Refractive Error: Myopia (i.e, nearsightedness) should not exceed -8.00 diopters and hyperopia (i.e, farsightedness) should not be more than +8.00 diopters.

3. Astigmatism: It should not exceed 3.00 diopters.

4. Color Vision: Candidates must be able to distinguish vivid red and vivid green.

Now, if you're considering corrective eye surgery, it's essential to know that although the naval academy does permit applicants who have undergone surgery, the type of surgery performed does matter. Procedures such as PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy), LASIK, and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) can be accepted if they meet all applicable Navy policies and criteria at the time of application. However, there's a mandatory 6-month wait period after the surgery before a candidate is deemed eligible to apply. It's also crucial to mention that even with corrective surgery, some specialized roles and career fields may be restricted.

As vision requirements are subject to change, I would also recommend contacting the Naval Academy or the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DODMERB) for exact, current standards. Good luck with your application.