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Laser refractive surgery in the United States Navy
Philip F Stanley1, David J Tanzer, Steven C Schallhorn
1Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. fatvette@yahoo.com
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|June 12, 2008
Summary
The US Navy extensively uses photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for vision correction, with increasing adoption of femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK. Both PRK and LASIK offer improved outcomes with wavefront guidance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Surgery
- Military Medicine
Background:
- The US Navy requires personnel to meet stringent visual standards for mission success.
- Laser refractive surgery has been evaluated for safety and efficacy since 1993.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the US Navy's contributions to laser refractive surgery.
- To summarize clinical and laboratory studies on excimer laser and LASIK.
Main Methods:
- Review of published papers and presentations.
- Analysis of clinical and laboratory data.
- Focus on excimer laser and laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap procedures.
Main Results:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the most common procedure, but femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK is increasing.
- PRK is approved for Naval aviators and flight officers.
- Wavefront-guided PRK and LASIK show superior predictability and results compared to conventional methods.
- Femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK is a waiverable procedure for military personnel and astronauts.
Conclusions:
- The US Navy prioritizes safety and visual quality in laser refractive surgery.
- Continuous evaluation of laser refractive surgery safety and efficacy is ongoing.
