Pilots and Astronauts With Lasik Eye Surgery

Los Angeles Lasik surgery experts explain that there are certain professions where keen eyesight is extremely important in carrying out specified duties.? For highly detailed work such as nerve surgery, excellent vision is critical in the success of an operation.? It is the same case for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and U.S. military pilot applicants; as the number one disqualifier for employment at these places, poor vision has kept many NASA and pilot hopefuls from gaining entry to these professions.? This is because that people depending on glasses or contact lenses would be unable to execute their tasks properly in the event something happens to damage their glasses or irritate/otherwise damage contact lenses. For astronauts, zero gravity conditions make contact lens maintenance difficult and in some cases completely impractical.

Prior to applying the laser for vision correction, the Los Angeles Lasik surgeon cuts a surface flap on the cornea (clear front part of the eye), to expose the next layer below. The flap is then replaced after treatment, and heals on its own. In stressful environments, such as outer space and combat situations, that flap tissue could separate again and cause vision problems.? Also, exposure to high altitudes and the wind pressure during aircraft ejection create changes in air pressure which can affect vision. Astronauts also have to deal with such pressure changes during liftoff and space walks outside their vehicle; and there is also the harsh condition of dry air. Navy personnel may be dealing with under-water pressures which are far higher than in the atmosphere which can affect contact lenses in an adverse way.

Starting in the mid nineties, the Department of Defence, the Navy in particular, therefore embarked on its own vision correction research. The DoD wanted to retain more of its highly-trained personnel, even if aging was impairing their eyesight. Researchers looked into PRK, and IntraLase as being possibly safe procedures for their requirements.

PRK is a Los Angeles Lasik eye correction technique which does not involve any corneal flap removal. Instead, surface corneal tissue is gently removed altogether to expose the treatment layer; the eye then regrows the surface cells. During the two weeks or so of recovery, the patient wears a contact lens ?bandage? to protect the treatment area after which the patient fully recovers. Intralase is another type of laser vision correction which uses a second laser to create the corneal flap. This makes the flap creation more precise and more tailored to each individual eye.

In 2004, many welcomed the news of the Navy approving PRK for its pilots, requiring them to take a three-month recovery period. Since there is no corneal flap in PRK, all the potential complications of those flaps are avoided for improved results.? Similarly, in 2007, NASA and the Navy began allowing applicants to have had IntraLase or PRK. A top Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon explains that they specified one year must have elapsed since the surgery, having experienced no permanent negative effects. With these technologies and approvals astronauts and fighter pilots would not be hampered in their duties by any negative after-effects while experiencing excellent vision. For additional information, visit www.cornell-eye.com to learn more.

Source: http://health.ezinemark.com/pilots-and-astronauts-with-lasik-eye-surgery-7d2f234b0fa8.html

apple news anthony weiner mac rumors ios 5 gizmodo mls listings weiner