Fear is one of the most common barriers patients face when
considering laser vision correction. Now,
thanks to former Navy Captain and ophthalmologist, Steven Schallhorn, MD,
patients can feel more secure. Dr.
Schallhorn performed LASIK on military personnel from the Army, Airforce,
Marine Corp., and Navy using the same advanced blade-free, Femtosecond and
Wavefront guided technology used at Mandel Vision. In an effort to determine the safety and
efficacy of LASIK, he then subjected these patients to some of the most extreme
and harsh conditions possible including high altitude, extreme G forces,
underwater pressures and blowing sand.
The results of the clinical trial were crystal clear. The visual results were excellent and the LASIK
flaps were stable, even after being subjected to the most extreme environments.
The LASIK flaps even proved to be stable in animal models that were exposed to
forces equivalent to those produced during ejection from a plane traveling at
400 knots.[i] Another concern, particularly for Navy Seals
who participate in many night maneuvers, is night vision following LASIK. Dr. Schallhorn found that night vision
actually improved[ii],
following LASIK with Femtosecond technology.
This is critical, as many of these maneuvers put these soldiers in life
and death situations. LASIK has enabled
soldiers previously ineligible for special forces, due to the need for contact lenses
and glasses, the opportunity to realize their full potential in the military.
Additionally, after careful review of Dr. Schallhorn’s data,
NASA, which previously banned any laser corrective eye surgery, approved LASIK
for its astronauts.[iii] This decision, made despite the physically
demanding, extreme zero-gravity conditions that astronauts endure, was not
taken lightly. Poor vision was the
number one factor that previously disqualified many NASA applicants.[iv]
LASIK, yet again, has opened the door to allow many more aspiring astronauts
the opportunity to realize their dreams of space travel.
Patients can take comfort in the knowledge that LASIK is
deemed safe in even the most extreme environments. AMO, one of the leading ophthalmic laser
companies, says it best: “Consumers
looking for proof that LASIK is safe, effective and advanced enough for them
need look no further; LASIK has proven it has ‘The Right Stuff’”.[v]
Click on the links
below to view the documentary, produced by Patient Education Concepts, entitled:
LASIK
on the Frontlines.
8 minute version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q-pbmLr46Q
28 minute version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awBS2sxNCqU
[i]
Tanzer, David J.Laser Vision Correction in the US Military. Cataract &
Refractive Surgery Today. June 2008.
[ii]
Ciccone, John. LASIK: On the Frontlines.
ASCRS EyeWorld. February 2012.
[iii]
Rundle, Rhonda L. Want to Work in Space? Squinters Can Now Apply. WSJ, Sept. 21, 2007, Vol. CCI, No. 69.
[iv]Ibid
[v]
AMO, Inc., ©2007. NASA Approves Advanced
LASIK for Use on Astronauts
