LASIK OFFERS PRECISE VISION CORRECTION, CONVENIENCE FOR AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL PILOTS, SAYS AMERICAN REFRACTIVE SURGERY COUNCIL

Pilots Rely on LASIK – but Choosing the Right Surgeon and Understanding Risks is Important

DALLAS, September 5, 2012 – For amateur and professional pilots, good eyesight can be a matter of life and death. Whether it’s spotting other traffic in a busy pattern, detecting runway hazards on final approach, or reading charts and electronic flight instruments, the quality of your vision is a big part of the margin of safety.

For pilots who need vision correction, LASIK – corrective laser eye surgery – may be a worthwhile alternative to glasses or contacts.

LASIK has gathered significant support in the aviation community. Within the U.S. Air Force, LASIK has been performed for many years, and recently expanded its criteria to allow a wide range of pilots and aircrew, including pilot candidates, to undergo the procedure. The U.S. Navy provides laser vision correction to pilots, including aircraft carrier aviators, and SEAL commandos. As a further testament, NASA now allows it for members of the astronaut corps.

“LASIK offers many advantages to pilots,” says Steve Schallhorn, M.D., Chief Medical Director for Optical Express and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of San Francisco. “Using the latest LASIK technology, it’s possible to safely correct vision with a high degree of precision. At the same time, it can eliminate aviator concerns about glasses being dislodged during turbulence, or contact lenses causing irritation or problems with glare. In an emergency there’s more than enough for a pilot to deal with. Anything that reduces the task list helps keep you safer, and LASIK can do that while providing excellent vision, which in itself enhances safety.”

Dr. Schallhorn cautions pilots considering LASIK that it’s critically important to choose the right laser center and surgeon.

“Choosing the right surgeon and laser center is essential for anyone considering LASIK, but especially so for pilots whose careers or just ability to fly depends on a successful LASIK outcome,” he says. “For pilots, a qualified surgeon is one who has successfully performed many procedures and can expertly determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. A high quality center utilizes latest technology, including diagnostics and lasers, in a proper clinical setting and employs well-trained staff. You need to avoid centers that offer older, outdated technology at the lowest possible price where the only concern is completing a sale.”

“It’s also important to keep in mind that while LASIK has an exceptional and proven safety record, as with any surgery there can be risks associated with the procedure” Dr. Schallhorn says. “There is also a recovery period, typically a few days but can take longer, during which night vision may not be adequate to fly– any pilot considering LASIK should take this into account, and it might be an important factor for anyone who flies for a living. This is another area where a consultation with a qualified eye care provider – especially with one familiar with the demands of flying and the aviation industry – can be helpful.”

There are many resources available for pilots considering LASIK. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) website provides extensive guidance for pilots considering LASIK, including a downloadable booklet entitled “Information for Pilots considering laser eye surgery” (www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/lasereye_ii.pdf) . The American Optometric Association offers detailed information, and the American Refractive Surgery Council offers a wide range of information and advice. Visit www.americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org.

For more information, or to schedule an interview or bylined article, contact Liana Miller of Engaged Communication at 949-276-8920 or liana@engagedcommunication.net

About Dr. Steven Schallhorn

Steven Schallhorn, M.D., Chief Medical Director for Optical Express and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of San Francisco, understands the importance of clear vision after his time as an F-14 pilot and Top Gun instructor, U. S. Navy Captain and decorated ophthalmologist in San Diego.  He retired from the Navy in February 2007 as the US Navy’s Refractive Surgery Program Manager where he directed the center at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.  He was the founder of the Department of Defense refractive surgery program, which now consists of over 20 centers providing mission-enhancing surgery to active duty personnel. He was the first surgeon in the DoD to perform LASIK and PRK procedures and implant phakic intraocular lenses.  Dr. Schallhorn has led studies on the safety and effectiveness of refractive surgery with a special emphasis on evaluating the quality of vision.   He routinely receives consultation requests from governmental and civilian organizations around the world and was instrumental in NASA’s approval of LASIK.

About ARSC

The American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC) is a cooperative working group made up of refractive surgery industry representatives and medical professionals.  ARSC promotes the interests and general welfare of the refractive surgery industry in the United States.  Its primary function is to educate the public about the safety, clinical outcomes and lifestyle benefits of refractive surgery, including LASIK and refractive intraocular lens implants, and supporting research into laser- and IOL-based refractive technologies.

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