Serving in our nation’s Armed Forces demands peak mental sharpness and physical fitness – in fact, the military has strict health requirement guidelines that candidates must meet before they are accepted into basic training or an academy. Army Strong isn’t just a tagline, it’s a way of life. That’s why enlistment or commission is also dependent on clear, healthy vision. Just think about all the situations, from serving in an active battlefield to surveying potential targets across a dry, sandy landscape, where clear vision could be the difference between success and failure, life and death. With those risks on the line, it’s not surprising that the military is adopting LASIK as a standard laser vision correction procedure for soldiers.
An Introduction to LASIK
LASIK has been around for many years now, helping millions of people in the United States see more clearly without the use of glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is an acronym that stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive surgery, which means LASIK addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and other problems, known as “refractive errors.”
Like other types of refractive surgery, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea, allowing the light that enters the eye to be properly focused on the retina for clearer vision. Patients benefit from improved vision and reduced (or eliminated) dependence on prescription eyeglasses and contacts.
LASIK Eye Surgery and Military Service
Every year, the U.S. Department of Defense issues vision waivers to thousands of soldiers and pilots to undergo vision correction and laser eye repair. Science has advanced laser technology so quickly that LASIK is now a common procedure to help service members qualify for and maintain their military career – even against the high standards of the Armed Forces.
Top military commanders support LASIK for military personnel because of the rigorous difficulties of the job. To perform at a consistently high level demands peak eyesight and clear vision, especially while on active duty, deployed to hostile locations, confronting inclement environments, or operating at night. Under such conditions, traditional prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses fail to meet the challenge. Not so with advanced laser correction. Simply put: LASIK delivers.
The advantages of LASIK are clear – after all, seeing with 20/20 or better vision has obvious benefits. But two of the most important reasons to choose the procedure as it relates to the military are the significantly faster visual recovery and more rapid return to full duty that LASIK allows. In other words, as compared with other vision correction procedures, LASIK gets our troops back to work sooner to continue protecting our country.
Your LASIK Procedure at Silk Vision
At Silk Vision, your eyes are in the care of board certified eye physician and surgeon Dr. Wesam Silk, an expert in corneal diseases and advanced cataract surgery. When considering a LASIK procedure, Dr. Silk recommends patients pay attention to these three things for a great outcome:
- Make sure you are a good candidate who meets the FDA criteria. Dr. Silk will sit down with you to review your individual eyes, discuss your medical history, and plan your unique path to clearer vision.
- Use the best technology available. There’s no room here for cutting corners, particularly with your vision at stake. Dr. Silk operates the latest medical and surgical technology to deliver a higher level of patient care and vision correction.
- Work with an experienced surgeon. As a cornea specialist, Dr. Silk knows your eyes better than anyone in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area. You won’t be paired with a technician who’s more interested in numbers than results. From day one, you’ll meet and review treatment plans with a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced physician.
LASIK isn’t just appropriate for people with high-risk jobs, like the men and women serving in the military. It’s also great for teachers, athletes, business people, and just about anybody who qualifies and wants clearer vision. If you’re considering LASIK to improve your eyesight, or want to find out if a LASIK procedure is a right fit for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Silk via our convenient online form. We care about your eye care.
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