Indian Air Force LASIK Surgery Allowed or Not- Criteria for AFCAT Branches

Many candidates want to know if they are allowed to undergo LASIK surgery before SSB or after SSB. All the details related to eyesight required and conditions for LASIK surgery are mentioned below.

Candidates who have undergone PRK (Photo Refractive Keratotomy)/LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) may be considered fit for commissioning in Air Force for all branches.

(a) Post PRK/LASIK candidates must meet the visual requirements required for the branch as laid down in Para 3.12.5.2 of IAP 4303(4th edition).

(b) The following criteria must be satisfied prior to selecting post-PRK/LASIK at the time of Air Force Medical Examination:-

  • PRK/LASIK surgery should not have been carried out before the age of 20 years.
  • The axial length of the eye should not be more than 25.5 mm as measured by IOL master.
  • Atleast 12 months should have elapsed post uncomplicated stable PRK/LASIK with no history or evidence of any complication.
  • The post PRK/LASIK corneal thickness as measured by a corneal pachymeter should not less than 450 microns.
  • Individuals with high refractive errors (>6D) prior to PRK/ LASIK are to be excluded.

(c) Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery for correction of refractive errors is not permitted for any Air Force duties. Candidates having undergone cataract surgery with or without IOL implants will also be declared unfit.

(d) The candidate must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards which are summarized below:-

  • The candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duties.
  • There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects or overweight.
  • In your own interest you are advised to undergo a preliminary medical check up for wax in ears, refractory error of eyes, fungal infection of skin etc. before reporting for the AFSB interview.
  • Chest should be well developed. The minimum range of expansion after full inspiration should be 5 cms. The measurement will be taken with a measuring tape at a level 1 cm below the nipples in front and just below the angles of the scapulae behind, in standing position with arms by the side. X-Ray of the chest is compulsory and will be taken to rule out any disease of the chest.
  • There should be no disease of bones and joints of the body.
  • A candidate should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.
  • There should be no sign of functional or organic disease of the heart and blood vessel. Blood pressure should be normal and Seropositive HIV status and/ or evidence of STD will entail rejection.
  • The muscles of abdomen should be well developed and there should be no enlargement of liver or spleen. Any evidence of disease of internal organs of the abdomen will be a cause for rejection.
  • Inguinal Hernia: Inguinal Hernia (Un-operated) will be a cause for rejection. Those who have been operated for hernia may be declared medically fit, provided:-
    • Six months have elapsed since operation, documentary proof to this aspect is to be produced by the candidate.
    • General tone of the abdominal musculature is good.
    • Surgical scar is well healed healthily without any gaping.
    • There has been no recurrence to hernia or complication connected with the operation.
  • There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles.
  • Urine examination will be done and any abnormality, if detected will be a cause for rejection.
  • Any disease of the skin which is likely to cause disability or disfigurement will also be a cause for rejection.
  • Pregnancy would be cause for temporary rejection. The individual would be advised to report again to the hospital 24 weeks after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. In case of an MTP/Abortion the review will be carried out after a period of minimum four weeks and up to 12 weeks. However, in case of caesarean section delivery, the candidate would remain unfit for a period of 52 weeks. The individual would then be examined by the Gynaecologist and assessed regarding her fitness. In cases wherein, a time period of more than six months has elapsed, post her initial medical examination, she would be subjected to repeat complete medical examination as per the existing regulations.
  • The candidates should have sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable. When 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22. A candidate should not be suffering from severe pyorrhoea.
  • X-Ray examination of the chest will include the lower part of cervical spine for presence of cervical ribs. For flying duties, radiograph (AP and lateral views) of cervical, thoracic and lumbo-sacral spine will be carried out. X-Ray examination of other parts of spine will be taken if the SMB considers it necessary.
  • Carrying angle of elbow should not be more than 15° and 18° among males and females respectively.
  • X-ray of Chest is compulsory.
  • The hearing should be normal. A candidate should be able to hear a forced whisper with each ear at a distance of 610 cms in a quiet room. There should be no evidence of present or past disease of the ear, nose and throat. Hearing Standards are as follows:-
    • Speech test : Whispered hearing 610 cms each ear.
    • Audiometric Test : Audiometric loss should not exceed +20 db in frequencies between 250 Hz and 8000 Hz.
  • Routine ECG should be within normal limits.
  • Spinal Conditions: Past medical history of diseases or injury of the spine or sacroiliac joints, either with or without objective signs which have prevented the candidate from successfully following a physically active life, is a case for rejection for commissioning in Flying Branch. History of spinal fracture/prolapsed intervertebral disc and surgical treatment for these conditions will entail rejection. The following conditions detected during medical exam will disqualify a candidate for Air Force Service:
    • Granulomatous disease of spine.
    • Arthritis/Spondylosis.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders.
    • Ankylosing spondylitis.
    • Osteoarthrosis, spondylosis and degenerative joint diseases.
    • Non articular rheumatism (e.g. lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc.).
    • Miscellaneous disorders including SLE, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, vasculitis.
    • Spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis/spondylosis.
    • Compression fracture of vertebrae.
    • Scheurman’s disease (Adolescent kyphosis).
    • Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of cervical spine.
    • Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.
    • Any other abnormality if so considered by the specialist.
  • The following spinal conditions are not acceptable for flying branches:-
    • Scoliosis more than 15 degree as measured by Cobb’s method.
    • Degenerative Disc Disease.
    • Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies.
    • Hemi vertebra and/or incomplete block (fused) vertebra at any level in cervical, dorsal or lumbar spine and complete block (fused) vertebra at more than one level in cervical or dorsal spine.
    • Unilateral Sacralisation or lumbarisation (Complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral incomplete sacralisation or lumbarisation.

Victorhttp://www.ssbtosuccess.com
I am a Defence Freak who love to write for those who want to SERVE THE COUNTRY with PRIDE. I am currently preparing for Civil Services alongside writing on this website. All I want to say is... HOW'S THE JOSH?

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