LASIK is the most often used technique for correcting refractive problems of the Eyes. LASIK stands for Laser-assisted In situ Keratomileusis, generally known as Laser Light treatment. This eye surgery is best for those who have myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. This technique aids in the correction of all types of refractive problems. The operation ultimately led to benefits with a low probability of adverse effects. The vision of LASIK-affected eyes is brilliant.

A special form of cutting laser is used during the LASIK surgery to accurately alter the shape of the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of your eye (cornea). The cornea accurately bends (refracts) light onto the retina located at the back of the eye in the eyes with good vision. However, myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism all results in blurred vision because of the improper bending of the light. 

For the correction of one of the following vision issues, LASIK surgery may be an option:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)-> Close items can be seen relatively clearly, but distant objects cannot.
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)-> This makes distant vision clearer but near objects quite blurry. 
• Astigmatism-> Astigmatism occurs when the cornea flattens or bends irregularly, disrupting the focus of both near and far vision. 

 

Specific LASIK eye surgery side effects, dry eyes and temporary visual issues, such as glare, are somewhat prevalent. These typically go away after a few weeks or months, and very few individuals consider them long-term problems. Regression is the slow return of your vision to the original prescription of your eyes. A less frequent complication is this one. 

 

Medical Requirement of Air Force 

For the Indian Air Force, one eye must have a vision of 6/6, and the other must have an idea of 6/9. Each eye’s near vision must be N-5. Not more than +3.5d with hypermetropia, including astigmatism. Candidates who wear spectacles regularly are ineligible for the Air Force. So, if you have a poor vision beyond these limits, you cannot join the Indian Air Force.

 

Any abnormal clinical signs in the media (cornea, lens, vitreous) or fundus will be the grounds for rejection of the service. Under mydriasis, this examination will perform using a slit light and ophthalmoscopy. 

Candidates who have undergone LASIK or any other kind of surgery consider unfit for the aircrew responsibilities.  

 

LASIK Surgery for Air Force

Surgery for eyesight correction is acceptable for Short Service Commission (Flying Branch) employees in the Transport and Helicopter streams. LASIK eye surgery is allowed only if the following criteria during the Air Force medical test. The requirements are as follows-: 

• The candidate applying for the job should have done LASIK Surgery at 20.
•  According to the IOL master’s measurement, the eye’s axial length should not exceed 25.5 mm. 
• At least twelve months should have passed since the straightforward stable LASIK procedure.
• The post-LASIK corneal thickness should not be less than 450 microns, as evaluated by a corneal pachymeter.
• Before LASIK, the examiner will exclude people with high refractive errors (>6D).
• Candidates must not be colour blind or have night blindness.
  • Colour Vision should be CP-1 (ML T). Color Perception-1: The correct recognition of coloured lights exhibited through the paired apertures on the Holmes-Wright lantern at LOW BRIGHTNESS at a distance of 6 metres (20 feet) in total darkness.
• Ocular Muscle Balance: The eyes should be properly aligned and have normal binocular vision. Examiners can use the cover test, the Maddox rod, or an approved vision tester to assess Ocular muscle balance. This test ensures the accuracy of the eye muscles. Cases that fall well within the Maddox Rod test boundaries but exhibit little or no fusion capacity, incomplete or no recovery on cover tests and poor subjective convergence are not allowed in IAF.
• At 6 meters-: 
  • Exophoria 6 prism Diopters
  • Esophoria 6 prism Diopters
  • Hyperphoria 1 prism Diopters
  • Hypophoria 1 prism Diopters
• At 33 meters-: 
  • Exophoria 16 prism Diopters
  • Esophoria 6 prism Diopters
  • Hyperphoria 1 prism Diopters
  • Hypophoria 1 prism Diopters
  •  

Alternative jobs in Air Force that accept LASIK

The candidates should apply for all eligible branches so that if you get rejected for the flying unit due to strict medical standards, you may be able to join another branch of the Indian Air Force, such as Technical, GDOC, and so on. 

The three ways of entry for Graduates/Engineers into the Flying branch are as follows-: 

CDSE (COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION) 

• Educational Qualifications
  • Graduate (Three-Year Course) in any discipline from an accredited university (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level)/BE/B Tech (Four Year courses).
  • Students in their final year/semester are also eligible to apply, as long as they have a degree certificate granted by the university within the deadline specified in the advertisement.
• Age – 20 to 24 years

NCC SPECIAL ENTRY (FOR MEN AND WOMEN)

• Educational Qualification
  • Minimum 50% marks in two subjects: Maths & Physics in classes 10 & 12 is a must. 
  • Graduation (Three Year Course) in any field from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent
  • BE/B.Tech (Four Year courses) from a reputed University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. 
  • A minimum of 60% or equivalent in Sections A and B of the Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India examination from a recognised university is essential for IAF.
  • The NCC Air Wing Senior Division’ C’ certificate and its validity of the certificate would be two years before the date of advertisement of the service.

 

It is difficult to mention all the branches of the Air Force except the flying recruitment. Apart from aircrew duties, there are many other branches in which you can apply. 

Conclusion 

The sky is the limit for you as an officer in the Indian Air Force. You begin as a Flying Officer and can advance to the rank of Air Marshal. “Touch the Sky with Glory” is the motto and motivation of officers. Not only flying jobs but every opportunity in Indian Air Force is also worthy and will add flying colours to your career.