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All branches of the military value crisp, clear vision. This includes the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines. Historically, vision problems and even surgery to correct the vision problems could cause issues for military members or individuals hoping to enlist. Now, however, military members can benefit from LASIK surgery and other laser vision correction procedures.
The eye doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute value our military members. They offer advanced surface ablation (ASA) and epi-LASIK, which are popular options among those in active duty. Here, they discuss these procedures and how they can benefit military members.
What Is ASA?
ASA is a type of refractive surgery that can be used to treat vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The focus of ASA is the cornea. The cornea is the transparent outer part of the eye that helps focus incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
During the procedure, the outer cells of the cornea are removed. A laser is then used to reshape the underlying cornea to enable clear vision. How the cornea is reshaped will depend on the specific vision issue. The cornea will be reshaped differently depending on whether the patient is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism.
What Is Epi-LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is a less invasive LASIK alternative. To understand epi-LASIK it is important to understand LASIK. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea to enable clearer vision. During the procedure, the surgeon first creates a flap in the cornea to access the cornea. The flap is gently folded back, and the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. After the laser treatment is complete, the flap is folded back into its original place.
During the Epi-LASIK procedure, the surgeon also creates a flap in the cornea. However, the flap is thinner than the flap created during the LASIK procedure. A thinner flap means that healing time is lessened, and recovery is more efficient.
How Can You Get LASIK?
If you are in the military or thinking of joining the military and have vision issues, you should talk to your eye doctor about LASIK. Whether one option is better for you will be up to you and your doctor. St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute offers the types of eye surgeries that are approved by all branches of the military.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are ready to see better without contact lenses or eyeglasses, then it is time to schedule an appointment at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute. We have a team of LASIK specialists ready to help you. Schedule an appointment online or call (727) 585-2200.
