How common are waivers for eye astigmatisms?

2020-08-21T13:07:53-04:00

I have a clean bill of health besides my nearsightedness. I am at a -9.75 and I know the cutoff before a waiver is -8. My vision however is corrected to 20/20 with lenses and contacts. I also have a letter from my optometrist stating this along with no other issues to my eyes. Do I have a good chance to be able to go through MEPS/get a waiver. Are there any other documents that could assist me?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 1:35 PM

2020-08-21T13:35:45-04:00

When you go through MEPS, answer the screening questions honestly and try to pass the eye exam they give you there. It could be a good day and you pass above the disqualification standard. If you fail it, you will most likely get referred to an ophthalmologist/optometrist for further evaluation. If you need to submit for a waiver, submit all the outside documentation you have then. If it is correctable to 20/20, I would be shocked if it doesn't get approved, but they are always a bit of a toss-up. You may find you end up with some limitations on MOS choices.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2020 2:02 PM

2020-08-21T14:02:13-04:00

I was around -4.75 in one eye if I recall. I had to be sent to an ophthalmologist for a full eye exam. Once they determined it was just good old astigmatism they wrote it up and sent me back to MEPS. Spoke with the doctor there and he said ok we will submit the waiver. Recruiter let me know the waiver was submitted. Took around 35-40 days if I recall to get it approved. I think mine was pushed through a little faster though for an upcoming board for officer commissions.

As long as you don’t have some strange eye disorder like keratoconus (what they are worried about with a large astigmatism) then you should be fine for a waiver to enlist.

Response by SFC Greg Dunn made Aug 21 at 2020 3:45 PM

2020-08-21T15:45:48-04:00

If corrected very common, I served and have astigmatism.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 21 at 2020 3:52 PM

2020-08-21T15:52:13-04:00

Back when I was joining, I had astigmatism, and had an eye surgery as a child. None of it precluded me from joining and even qualified for flight school (physically, not so academically!). Just make sure everything is documented, and they should get you waiver.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2020 7:25 AM

2020-11-20T07:25:50-05:00

As long as youre correctable to 20/20 youre fine. After you're in, you should consider ICL surgery