If my vision has gotten noticeably worse, to the point of near blindness, is that a concern for medical separation?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 05:49:58 -0400

I'm in the USAR, I recently went to get my eyes checked recently without my contact lenses or assisted glasses. I have astigmatism, and my vision has gotten dramatically worse since I enlisted in 2019. Everything is blurry, and I can not even see letters or faces clearly in front of me. If I am already in, would that be a cause for forced separation I.E med board? I am worried about bringing this up but feel it may be a concern as it has gotten noticeably dangerous in a situation where I am without my glasses or contact lenses.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 1 at 2022 6:34 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 06:34:46 -0400

Yes, it could be an issue if it isn't correctable and/or is getting worse. Read through AR 40-501, specifically Chapter 3. Keep in mind that while you don't want to report your concerns, your vision may place your fellow troops in danger.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 1 at 2022 7:39 AM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:39:03 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, as the saying goes, "Don't borrow trouble" - don't worry about something until you have something to worry about.

Get your eyes checked out by an optometrist and/or ophthalmologist - it could be just a case of your eyes getting worse normally.

The military doesn't separate you once you're in because you have correctable poor vision. If you were not able to correct the vision through glasses, that might be an issue (depending on how bad the vision is).

Of course, your career as a pilot or professional lifeguard might have to change...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2022 12:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:57:25 -0400

If your eyesight, while poor, is correctable to acceptable limits, then don't worry. I'm near sighted...with it being pretty bad on the distance vision. I can't clearly see the ONE GIANT LETTER at the top of the chart without my glasses. It's just a giant black fuzzy haze. My glasses put me at 20/20 to 20/15. So, again, relax young Padawan. Worrying about this is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but you aren't going anywhere.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Oct 1 at 2022 6:28 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:28:53 -0400

If You can see well with glasses on, then it shouldn't be an issue.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Oct 3 at 2022 2:20 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:20:25 -0400

If you can see with glasses or contacts, you're fine. I have had horrible eyesight since I was 9. I have astigmatism and am horribly nearsighted. Without glasses, I can't see anything clearly unless it's right in front of my face. With glasses - I'm fine.

As long as you can see with glasses, you're fine.