Does LASIK impact your ability to enlist in the military?

I've been considering getting LASIK eye surgery to correct my vision, but I'm also interested in joining the military. How does having LASIK eye surgery affect my eligibility for enlistment, and are there specific guidelines I should be aware of?

Yes, LASIK eye surgery can impact your eligibility to enlist in the military, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you. Each branch has its own specific guidelines regarding vision correction surgeries.

In general, most branches of the military allow enlistment after LASIK, but there is typically a waiting period after surgery (usually six months to a year) to ensure that there are no complications and that the surgery was successful. The aim here is to ensure that your eyes have fully healed post-surgery and that you meet the vision standards of the concerned military branch.

For example, the Army and Air Force have relaxed their rules regarding LASIK, accepting recruits who have undergone the procedure. However, the Navy and Marines have slightly more stringent rules, and LASIK might disqualify a person from certain roles, particularly roles involving aviation or special operations.

As each branch has their own guidelines, if you've undergone or are considering LASIK, the best course of action is to check the specific requirements of the military branch you're interested in joining. You can do this by reaching out to a local recruiter who would have up-to-date information and can advise you accordingly.

An important point to keep in mind is that it's advisable to wait until after your military medical examination before having any eye surgery. This could help you avoid potential disqualification if complications arise from the procedure. Therefore, it's important to discuss your plans with both your recruiter and your eye doctor to make an informed decision.