Lasik Acceptability Terms and Rules for Indian Army /NDA Candidates

The Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Defence Academy (NDA) recruit Indian nationals for various positions in senior and junior capacities. The selection of the suitable candidates is strictly based on officially notified terms which include academic qualifications, reservation criteria, age limits and relaxation rules, physical fitness, and physical standards. All the above mentioned Defence services recruit eligible candidates in combat and noncombat roles. The recruitment for Armed Forces has high standards which include physical fitness, physical measurements in terms of height, weight, chest size, body mass index, eyesight, and overall state of physical fitness and health.

Vision or eyesight is a very significant factor in making or breaking the candidates chances for recruitment to Armed Force Medical College(AFMC), Navy, Air Force, and NDA as entry level cadets, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), or other rank (OR) positions. The Indian military services are prestigious and physical and medical fitness requirements are strictly prescribed, particularly in terms of proper vision and eyesight. Candidates with normal vision of 20/20 in feet or 6/6 in metres do not face any disqualification issues during the physical endurance and medical examination rounds.

Candidates who have eye conditions such as Myopia (short-sightedness) or Hypermetropia (long-sightedness) have to satisfy additional selection criteria. Those who received medical treatment including surgeries such as Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and / or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery also have to fulfil additional criteria. All these candidates are eligible for selection to Armed Forces in Engineering and Medical Services, but due to physical demands such candidates are selectively recruited. However, rules for filling up entry level positions in Navy, Air Force, NDA, JCO, and Other Rank (OR) do not permit candidates who received the above mentioned corrective surgeries and they are disqualified from appearing for further selection rounds.

Vision Standards For NDA Recruitments

National Defence Academy (NDA) recruits cadets for the three wings of the Indian Military i.e. the Army, Navy, and the Air Force. Candidates who passed 12th class or equivalent with Maths and Physics have to appear for written examination followed by physical standards test. The vision or eyesight requirements for these positions are listed below –

Vision standard for Naval candidates

• Uncorrected without glass 6/6, 6/9
• Corrected with glass 6/6, 6/6
• Limits of Myopia –0.75
• Limits of Hypermetropia +1.5
• Binocular vision III
• Limits of colour perception I

Vision standard for Air Force candidates

• Candidates who wear spectacles as a Habit are not eligible.
• Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye, and 6/9 in other eye
• Correctable for Hypermetropia up to 6/6 only.
• Color Vision: CP -I
• Myopia: Nil
• Retinoscopic Myopia – 0.5 in any Meridian
• Permitted Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cyl (within +2.0 D. Max) as per Maddox Rod Test

LASIK/PRK Surgery Selection Criteria For Armed Forces

• Candidates should have undergone LASIK/PRK surgery after 20 years of age.
• LASIK/PRK for Myopia or Hypermetropia should be uncomplicated.
• The refraction flap should be stable for a 6 month period after surgery.
• Retina has to be in a clear and healthy condition.
• Corrected vision is 6/6 and 6/9 in better and worse eyes respectively.
• For Myopia or Hypermetropia, Maximum residual refraction in any meridian: +1.50
• The Army does not employ LASIK/PRK candidates for aircrew duties.
• Entry level candidates are also admitted into AFMC, Pune.

What is the Right Age to Opt for LASIK?

LASIK gained popularity due to its capability to convert the lower vision into a perfect 20/20 vision overnight after it was first performed in the late 1980s after which millions of people had it done and more are on verge of getting it done. LASIK laser eye surgery is a non-invasive technique and thus required just a few hours to heal properly. However, the question is, what is the right age to opt for LASIK? We have answered this particular question in this extract.

Too Young?

Generally, human body grows in size and shape until it reaches its point of equilibrium. When a young boy or girl observed lower vision, he/she had to opt for contacts or eyeglasses; however, with the increase in age, they can opt for LASIK for a perfect vision correction. However, it is essential to know the minimum age to answer the rhetorical question i.e. is it too young to opt for LASIK?. The human body is ever growing and to put things into perspective, a human eye grows in size and shape and thus, focal length because of which the prescription changes every year and therefore, the minimum age to attain equilibrium is around 18 years. Thus, people above 18 can opt for LASIK.

Too Old?

There is no fixed upper age limit for getting a LASIK done. Human body grows up till 18 years or so after which it barely changes expect to age. As soon as a person passes the age of 60, cataract could be an eye defect that he/she might attract; however, there is no set limit for getting a LASIK done as the technique is known to correct vision. Your ophthalmologist is the right person to instruct on your chances of getting a LASIK surgery done as previous medical history is essential in the decision.

So what happens in LASIK Treatment

Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis is a non-invasive method which was first performed back in 1987 in North America. Ever wondered how this non-invasive technique which is one of the safest medical practices in modern medicine works? Here are step-by-step points that will help you understand the procedure of LASIK treatment.

1. An solution is applied for eye to get numbed –

Before the LASIK treatments begin, the technicians will apply eye numbing solutions that the patient’s eye numbed for anywhere between 10 minutes and 15 minutes.

2. Application of Moisturizer –

It is essential to keep the eye moist and thus, competent moisturizers suitable for operation are used to keep the eye moist during the operation.

3. Creation of Flap –

It is the only invasive procedure in LASIK treatment. The Flap which is known as Corneal Flap covers the Cornea and protects any foreign particle to penetrate into the eye. The flap is created using precision flap-making instruments. Here, the doctor shines a fixation light in the eye after which flap is folded.

4. Laser is beamed –

Now that the corneal flap is in its place, a laser i.e. excimer laser is pointed at the affected area and few short bursts are shot to achieve the correction.

5. Closing of Flap –

After the vision is corrected, the doctors will close the flaps using agents and then apply surface certain solutions that speed up the healing procedure.

6. Full Recovery Process –

It barely takes few minutes for the corneal flap to heal and within a day or two, the patient becomes ready to join his/her work. However, rest and other precautionary measures are prescribed to escalate the healing and recovery process.

LASIK has proven its caliber a lot of times. After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery, people have reported having achieved perfect 20/20 vision or more without wearing contacts or eyeglasses.

 

Reasons for Choosing LASIK over your Pair of Glasses

Myopia, Hyperopia or any other refractive defect can have a great impact on one’s self-confidence as wearing a spectacle is often frustrating and uncool in some places around the world. Although wearing an eyeglasses help restore the lost vision and making you able to read and do stuff that you couldn’t have without proper vision like reading, driving, etc., it does have its flip side. Now that a various number of alternatives are available for correcting eye defect (Lasik Laser Eye Surgery), here are few reasons that will motivate you to ditch those heavy and ‘uncool’ glasses.

• Eyeglasses are expensive –

Wearing eyeglasses aren’t just uncool but most of the time, it is expensive as well. When you walk into an optical retailer, you would have been fascinated and exciting about getting eyeglasses; however, the price tag could have hammered you down. With hundreds of colors, frames, lens type, and other variables, the price could actually reckon up and with an increase in the power i.e. focal length required to correct your vision, the price could skyrocket as well. The prices are often high because of monopoly in the optical business of a bigger organization which has the motive to crunch more profit.

• Eyeglasses are inconvenient –

The list is quite long when it comes to inconvenience in wearing eyeglasses. Swimming, watching a 3D movie or sipping a hot cup of coffee are few of them. The problem reckons if you break your eyeglass which has its own aftermaths.

• Get your eye checked and get your eyeglasses updated –

Whoever wears eyeglasses is completely aware of getting their eye checked after every six months or year. Also, updating the lenses to fit your required focal length is both stressful and expensive. Then again, as age progresses, you would need bifocal eyeglasses which need to be updated every year.

 

 

PRK – an Alternative for Lasik

Similar to LASIK, PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is a laser eye surgery which is known to treat astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, etc. LASIK does have a certain limitation on the eligible whereas PRK can operate on them not good for LASIK. Below we have discussed the alternative for LASIK, PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy.

The icing on the cake with PRK is its ability to treat vision problems even without cutting the corneal flap which is the case with LASIK. The procedure for PRK is different and so its headline and recovery procedure.

• First Few days after PRK – Similar to LASIK, the patient who had undergone PRK will have to take rest for at least few days so that the healing process can be completed. The first few days are usually surrounded with itchiness or minor pain in the eye which will subside eventually. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe follow-up dates for eye checkup in order to check the progress made.
• Precautionary Measures – After PRK, the eye operated on must remain lubricated for which drops are provided by the doctor. It is important to apply it as prescribed. Also, the doctor will provide an eye protection cover which is ideal during sleep and to get rid of any airborne dust particles. Note that itching could still arise but rubbing the eye can cause it to take more time for recovery.
• Follow-ups – On the scheduled date and time, the patient must get their eye checked from their respective doctor to get updates and progress made by PRK.
• Weeks after PRK – PRK is an alternative for LASIK and therefore it does have different healing procedure. After a week after undergoing PRK, you may experience certain symptoms like difficulty in seeing at night, sensitivity to light and more which are normal and will resolve while healing your eye to get perfect vision.
• Months after PRK – It has been a month after undergoing PRK and by this time, your eye has healed completely. Now you can enjoy perfect 20/20 vision or more and enjoy your life to the fullest. PRK is a non-invasive method and an alternative for LASIK so that you have options open to get your vision corrected.

 

Lasik Patient Recover Faster – Want to know Why?

Precision while operating

The technicians and doctors responsible for LASIK surgery conceive a map of patient’s eye before the operation wherein the region which has caused the vision to weaken or the affected area is marked. Upon operation, the technicians cut the corneal flap and then a laser assisted beam shots several short bursts of a laser on the affected area, therefore, inducing improved vision. The cornea starts healing immediately after the surgery and thus, LASIK is often the best option for faster recovery.

Faster Recovery

 LASIK is a Laser assisted non-invasive technique. LASIK is practiced for vision correction where the doctors use laser assisted machinery to operate on the affected eye. LASIK promises a faster recovery with all thanks to its non-invasive nature. During a LASIK Surgery, the flap of Cornea is the only physical thing that is cut (not fully) after which a laser treats the affected area. After the surgery, the flap is closed and it normally takes just a couple of hours for the cornea to heal and restore the vision back. Lasik laser eye surgery can also help achieve 20/20 vision or more and all that takes just a couple of day’s right from surgery to healing completely.

A week time is enough for healing

LASIK is a non-invasive technique as so much that only the flap opening procedure is categorized as invasive. Right from the LASIK surgery, it barely takes few days for complete healing. Moreover, a cover is provided to the patient to protect his/her eyes from dust or debris which escalates the healing process. A patient can resume work in just a week after the surgery after following the given precautions and regime.

Precautionary Measures

There are certain precautionary measures that are prescribed for a faster recovery, like, Wear Cover or Protective Sunglasses, Take Rest, Take days off, Avoid strenuous activities and consume proper medication on time.  These all precautions speed up the overall recovery of LASIK patients.

Lasik Guidelines for SSC CPO SI Police Selection – Vision Correction Surgery

The Staff Selection Commission and various State-level Police Recruitment Boards conduct written and physical examinations for filling up vacancies in the Sub-Inspector (SI) category. The different boards apply different selection criteria including academic qualification, age limits, reservation policy, relaxation rules, physical measurements test, physical endurance test, and medical examination. However, The SI posts require physically fit individuals with the necessary enthusiasm and energy levels to protect and save the civilians in their respective state regions and central areas of posting.

The selection methodology includes application verification and written examination to short list suitable candidates. This is followed by physical fitness and standards tests and the final appointments involve a thorough medical examination. The medical examinations are conducted to detect the presence of bodily defects, infirmities, physical handicaps, abnormal mental behaviour, hearing or speech defects, chronic diseases, etc., The visual acuity or eye sight test is one of the most important medical standards that is applied by all the boards before making the final selection.

Medical Examination Procedure

• The shortlisted and recommended candidates have to appear before the medical board at specified venues.
• The concerned hospital assigns doctors and supporting staff to evaluate the candidates’ physical health.
• The candidates are examined in a thorough manner for physical fitness.
• All the necessary tests are conducted as per specified medical board rules.
• The fitness status report is prepared by the hospital and sent to the recruiters.
• The failed candidates may be provided with the option to appeal or review the fitness status before the concerned appellate authority.

Medical Examination Precautions

• Candidates have to concentrate on physical fitness, endurance, and health.
• They have to consume nutritious food and good quantity of water before the medical examination date.
• Regular exercise routines have to be followed to maintain high levels of fitness.
• Candidates are advised to get their physical and medical standards checked by a civil surgeon before applying for the job.

Medical Standards – Eye Sight Test

The eye sight or the visual acuity test is a common test for all SI post aspirants at State and Central levels. In this test, the candidate’s near and distant vision are tested using the Snellen Chart. Both the eyes are tested and the result is measured in metres such as 6/6 or 6/9 or 6/12. This measurement indicates the ability to read a chart from the specified distance in metres. Additional tests related to field of vision, colour blindness, squint, droopy eye lids, or organic eye diseases are also conducted at the discretion of the board.

Visual Standards

• Distant Vision: 6/6 in right and left eyes
• Near Vision: 0/5 in both eyes on the Snellen Chart
• Each Eye must have a full field of vision
• Colour Vision Standard : CP -III

Disqualifications & Relaxations

• Candidates with defects in the colour vision are disqualified.
• As per the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) rules, Candidates who had LASIK surgery are not eligible for the posts.
• The respective recruitment boards modify the selection criteria, and candidates have to check the latest notifications
• Relaxation in rules pertaining to physical standards including LASIK or visual acuity requirements are at the discretion of respective State Police Boards or SSC.

Know Everything About – Post LASIK Healing and Process

A common notion associated with LASIK is its success rate and how much it hurts, however, it is not completely true. LASIK is the most decorated non-invasive method invented in modern medicine. LASIK is non-invasive, easy, barely hurts a little, heals faster, and rectifies 20/20 vision or more. The Post-LASIK Healing and Process speeds up the healing process which is discussed below.

Pre-Operating Process

In the non-invasive Lasik Laser Eye Surgery, the most important aspect is the digital mapping of an eye. It is performed by LASIK Technicians before the operation began and takes more than time than the operation itself. During the process, a map of an eye is prepared to mark the affected region and the procedure to follow.

During Operation

LASIK Operations are quick and barely takes an hour to complete. While operating, the only physical part that is invasively cut is the corneal flap which is cut to reach the pupil. However, the flap isn’t cut fully as it is attached back after operating. During operating, an eye-numbing solution is applied along with a host of moisturizers that keep the eye moisturized. Then several short bursts of a laser are fired that corrects the vision and then the flap is reattached.

Post-LASIK Operation

The corneal flap starts healing naturally just within few hours after LASIK. The doctors prescribe the patient to keep eyes covered for a few days to protect it from debris or dust that can obstruct the healing procedure. Patients are provided with dos and don’ts as precautionary measure.

Full Recovery and Healing Process

Some patients are able to see with 20/20 vision in just a single day after LASIK; however, the duration is different for each patient. It rarely takes a week to fully recover and then you are set free to join work again. In just six months, the corneal flap becomes secured with tissues covering it as strong as it was originally.

 

 

Indian Railway Recruitment – LASIK Surgery Criteria

Indian Railways is one of the largest recruiters in the India and the world, and it works under the supervision of Ministry of Railways. The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts written examinations for selecting staff in both gazetted and non-gazetted categories. The selection criteria are strictly applied and all the job seekers have to undergo medical examination at the Railway Hospitals during the later stages of recruitment. The medical examinations are conducted to assess the physical health, detection of any congenital or chronic diseases, physical handicaps, and strength of eye sight or visual acuity.

For visual acuity, the gazetted services are divided into two categories namely Technical and Non-technical Services. Technical services include Engineering branches, Traffic, Marine, Medical, and Special Class Apprentices. Non-technical Services include Accounts, Stores, Protection, Secretariats, Chemists, Metallurgists, and Class I and Class II Services not related to trolleys or train operations. Candidates for all the above mentioned posts have to undergo a comprehensive medical examination of both eyes for final selection.

Gazetted Services

1. Types of Test

The various tests such as Acuity of Vision, Fundus Examination, Color Vision, Field of Vision, and Night Vision exam are conducted as per rules.

2. Visual Acuity Requirements (With or Without Glasses)-

Technical Services

Distant Vision:  6/9 in better and worse eyes or 6/6 better eye, 6/12 worse eye

Near Vision: J.I and J.II in better and worse eyes respectively

Non-Technical Services

Distant Vision:  6/9 in better eye, 6/12 worse eye

Near Vision: J.I and J.II in better and worse eyes respectively

3. Disqualifications

• Contact lenses are not allowed during medical examination.
• Ocular conditions such as squint, one eyed person, chronic disease, progressive refractive error, LASIK surgery.

4. Relaxation Rules

• Special relaxations for specific candidates at the discretion of RRB.
• Technical Services –
• Total Myopia <= -4 Diopters
• Total Hypermetropia <= +4 Diopters

Non-Gazetted Services

The non-gazetted services are divided into 3 groups A, B, and C for the purpose of general physical examination and visual acuity tests. Category A includes drivers, foot plate staff, navigating, running, shunting, and signal controlling staff. Category B has station, yard, shed, workshop, and engine room staff. Category C includes clerical, administrative and other staff in shed stocks, workshop, and engine room. Different rules and standards are applied for different categories, and each group is divided further into sub groups such as A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Recruited candidates also undergo visual tests during service in a periodic manner for passenger, staff, and civilian safety.

Vision Standards For Each Sub-Group   

A-1         Distance Vision: 6/6, 6/6 without glasses.

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses (must clear fogging test) and

Must pass test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision & Night Vision.

 

A-2         Distance vision: 6/9, 6/9 without glasses.

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 without glasses and

Must pass test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision & Night Vision.

 

A-3         Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/9 with/without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 2D).

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses and

Must pass test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision & Night Vision.

 

B-1         Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with/without glasses (power of lenses not to exceed 4D).

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or doing close work

Must pass test for Colour Vision, Binocular Vision, Field of Vision & Night Vision

 

B-2         Distance Vision: 6/9, 6/12 with or without glasses (power not to exceed 4D).

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading or doing close work

Must pass test for Field of Vision.

 

C-1         Distance Vision: 6/12, 6/18 with or without glasses.

Near Vision: Sn: 0.6, 0.6 with or without glasses when reading/close work

 

C-2         Distance Vision: 6/12, Nil with or without glasses.

Near Vision, Sn: 0.6 combined with/without glasses when reading/close work

LASIK Surgery Disqualification Rules

As per the Railway Health Board’s new policy, All new recruits as well as existing employees who had Lasik Laser eye surgery for correcting refractive error are unfit and disqualified in A and B categories.

Get a Fresh Look and New Life with Lasik Laser Eye Surgery

Slowly and steadily, there has been a massive expansion in the number of people getting one of vision impairment and refractive defects. Although Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses are viable options for vision correction, it is often associated with causing hassle, frustration, and more. Wearing eyeglasses can make you look nerdy; however, if you avoid wearing it, it can cause further problems as you cannot see properly. LASIK or Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis is one of the best alternatives to get rid of eyeglasses or even contacts and to get a fresh look. There are many reasons to get Lasik laser eye surgery done if you wear eyeglasses or contacts.

Contacts in the hot summer trip

You set on a trip on the summer vacation and want to do something fun. Eyeglasses could be fewer hurdles. However, contacts need extra care and precaution to keep it sterile. Even a peg of dirt can mess out the sterility of the lenses kept in solution and then it is just a matter of fact that you are no longer away from getting a serious eye infection if you wear it. Furthermore, lenses are prescribed to be stored in a temperature controlled region to protect its integrity along with its solution, however, when you set out for a trip, it doesn’t necessary means you will come across some or other solutions to keep your contacts safe and sound.

Eyeglasses aren’t good either

Think of hot summer day and swimming pool ahead. You will definitely jump into the jump or at least let yourself loose a bit. When wearing eyeglasses, it becomes difficult to keep water from making you blind until you dry off the lens and wear the spectacles again. Without the eyeglasses, you won’t be able to see which another problem is. Also, carrying eyeglasses and a protective cover isn’t handy during summer trips or say music concert or even a 3D movie. The best viable option is to get a fresh look with Lasik Laser Eye Surgery.