Air Force opens flying jobs to airmen with laser vision correction

An F-16 Fighting Falcon connects with the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker over Iraq earlier this month.

People who have had LASIK corrective eye surgery are now eligible to apply for aviation and aviation-related jobs, the Air Force announced Thursday.

The change took effect Monday after studies showed there was little or no difference between LASIK-treated eyes and untreated eyes when subjected to the wind blast experienced during aircraft ejection or exposure to high altitude.

All applicants to aviation-related career fields — regardless of whether they have had corrective eye surgery — must still meet the vision requirements articulated in AFI 48-123.

The change also removes the altitude and high-performance aircraft restrictions for people who have had LASIK.

Read the rest at Air Force Times