Warfighter Laser Refractive Center

The Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center provides state-of-the-art refractive surgery procedures to our aviators and warfighters.

Services Provided
Our center offers the following procedures:

• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
• Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
• Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (Local patients only)

All procedures aim to improve uncorrected vision and support optimal readiness to serve our Nation's needs.

What is Refractive Eye Surgery?
Refractive surgery is a procedure to correct refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) by reshaping the cornea—the clear outermost layer of the eye that functions like a window and focuses light.

What is PRK, LASIK, and ICL?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) are outpatient surgical procedures.

• PRK: the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, and a bandage contact lens is placed to allow the eye to heal.
• LASIK: a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. The surgeon then folds back the flap and uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct the patient's refractive error. The flap is then placed back in its original position and allowed to heal.
• ICL: an FDA-approved vision correction procedure in the United States to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. It involves an artificial lens being surgically implanted inside the eye, carefully placed between the iris and the natural lens.

Who is eligible for refractive surgery?
Eligible members include:

• Active-duty service members
• National Guard and Reserve service members on active duty

Eligibility Requirements
Members must complete a refractive surgery application package, including a commander's authorization signed by their squadron commander with a rank of O-3 or above.

• Air Force and Army members must have 6 months of active duty retainability.
• Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members are required to have 12 months of active duty retainability.

Please note that retainability is determined from the surgery date and not at the time of application.

Members must be at least 21 years old, have a stable glasses prescription for more than 12 months, and be willing and capable of complying with postoperative examinations for 12 months after surgery.

Post-Operative Duty Restrictions:

• Following refractive eye surgery, you will be placed on a profile with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and mobility restrictions as well as other duty-limiting factors.

Non-deployable and not eligible for PCS immediately following surgery:
For PRK procedures:

• Air Force and Army: Non-deployable and no PCS for 60 days.
• Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard: Non-deployable and no PCS for 90 days.

For LASIK and ICL procedures:

• Non-deployable and no PCS for 30 days for all branches.

These timeframes may be extended due to variations in healing times and provider evaluation.
Duty Limiting Factors:
During the initial 30-day recovery period for all procedures, the following restrictions apply:

• NO swimming, firing weapons, participating in tactical night operations, use of gas masks, use of camouflage face paint, operation of heavy machinery, contact sports, and minimize exposure to chemicals, solvents, fumes, and dust.  Additionally, no driving for 7 days following the procedure and no exposure to sunlight without UV-protective eyewear for 12 months.

Before applying for corneal refractive surgery (CRS), members must know there are 2 management groups: the Aviation and Aviation Related Special Duty (AASD) Program and the Warfighter Program.

Air Force AASD: In accordance with AF policy, prior to any CRS treatment (DOD or civilian), the application and receipt of "Permission to Proceed" authorization must be accomplished. An ophthalmologist will determine a member's eligibility to proceed with refractive surgery. Dependents and retirees are not eligible.