Is there a way to work around the minimum age requirements for PRK?

2015-06-22T08:56:21-04:00

So I'm very close to completing my warrant packet, and I've hit a wall in the process. Apparently my astigmatism in my right eye is too great to even be a pilot at all, and I need corrective surgery to put in a packet. This isn't going to stop me, flying is my dream. Now my problem though is that the age requirements for military prk is 21 and I'm 20 until March. Is there a way around this or am I forced to wait til I'm 21? This is a huge setback since it takes 6 months to even get the prk once the ball gets rolling.
Thank you for any feedback!
PFC Todt

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 22 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-06-22T11:39:50-04:00

Ever consider that there may be a reason WHY there is a minimum age...? And it's not to make your life hard. If flying is your dream, it will still be there next year.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-06-22T12:10:45-04:00

You asked for a way around the age requirement. There is: pay for the PRK yourself.

But you should wait for your eyesight to stabilize. My anecdotal experience: my eyes didn't stabilize until I was about 25-26. I got PRK at 32.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 2:52 PM

2015-06-22T14:52:24-04:00

Can you go get it done on your own dime? Although, I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps there is a delay for a purpose (to be revealed later).

I had a vision-related issue many moons ago. I was stationed in Hawaii. The DoD sponsored service member procedures at Crippler, I mean, Tripler Army Medical Center. Lol. They would only preform PRK on AF members with the assumption that we were all flyers. I paid out of pocket and went off base and had LASIK done. Best money I ever spent!!

I would research the sh*t out of it and, if possible/legal/viable, go to GOOD civvie doctor. If not, the skies aren't going anywhere--you will fly if that is what you are destined to do!

Good luck!!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 22 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-06-22T16:54:54-04:00

On a side note, waiting until you're 21 may not be a bad thing anyway. Being a pilot involves life and death decisions every minute that you're off the ground. Another year of maturity won't hurt a bit. I'm not saying you're immature, but no matter how mature you are, another year certainly won't make you less so.