Can I get implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery while being in the Reserves?

CPT Enrique M. — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:27:00 -0400

I can't get lasik and PRK is risky because I have a thin corneas. So I was offered ICL.

So far I can't find a reg or something that says I can't but the last thing I want to do is DQ myself on the next PHA.

Anyone have a clue if it's allowed?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2022 12:22 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:22:14 -0400

I wish I knew the answer! My version of lasik actually had them cut my eye, open the flap and fix my curvature of my eye and then fold the flat back and put on a contact lens for A-day. I now hear that I'll hear that lasik can be done Without doing any surgery on the eye.. Too bad you didn't qualify. I just retired from the army reserve. I had lasik done in 2002. 20 years later I can still see 20/20 in my left eye and about 20/30 on my right eye.

I was just over 40 years old when I had my lazik surgery done. Before, I had prescription glasses mandatory And after lasik surgery, no one noticed the difference because I passed the eye exam. I never told anyone about lasik surgery.. This was done before my mobilizations to Iraq and Afghanistan . It was easy to do and my command did not know about my surgery.

I am 59 years old now and I just retired 3 months ago. Best of best of luck getting your answer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2022 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:51:50 -0400

While I have never heard of this procedure (and I am curious so I'll be googling this), I can say that most medical procedures performed while a member of the Reserves is usually done on a basis of elective procedure if the Army Reserve did not deem you needed this procedure and therefore will not be paying for it. As for getting DQ....you're already in so no worry about that. Plus, I am finding some articles online that state the Military is getting good feedback on Soldiers that currently serve and get the procedure (I found an article from the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). I would recommend a few things: 1) Hold off until your next PHA/SRP and ask the medical provider about it; 2) Reach out to military medical providers (specifically in the vision department) in the Reserves and on Active Duty to see what they have to say.