I'm in process for a job that requires me to get laser surgery if I fail an uncorrected vision test (I know I'm on the borderline of passing it, so I'm gathering some lasik/prk info in case I didn't. I'll get the results back in about 2 weeks).

The optometrist I visited told me that she could not recommend me as a LASIK candidate because my prescription had changed too much. I don't know the specific numbers but if it makes a difference I can find out. My question is - Are you 100% disqualified from LASIK by having unstable refractive error? I'm a little confused from what I've been reading on the web.

If its not stable and you get lasik, youll just end back in glasses when your pescription changes. If your pescription is very low, no point risking lasik just for a chance to get the job.

So that you have the best possible vision to post about things you know nothing about on the internet.

Or was it because your parents wouldn't finance your surgery?

Um thanks for the input but I'm well aware of the risks. Factor in that this is something I've been waiting 3 years for and could make a career out of, it's not as simple as walking away. LASIK is something I'm sure everyone with poor eyesight has contemplated (at least of people I know), the job possibility just gives me that extra incentive to make the lifestyle change.

Anyway my question is still unanswered. Am I disqualified from getting LASIK altogether or do I fall under a "less than ideal" category due to unstable refractive error? I'd rather find out quickly instead of wasting time and money on a pointless consultation (if I'm not qualified anyway).

If your job requires 20/20 vision and yours isnt stable, lasik will be pointless till it stabilizes. Its a good thing you know the risks, only you can make the informed decision. Getting lasik wont guarantee you get that job. Also if you are 40+ youll just trade up for reading glasses.

...

Ok I'll list it out the long way I suppose.

You're required to have within 20/100 uncorrected vision to be hired. You are not required to retain that level of uncorrected vision. Once you are hired you can wear glasses/contacts/whatever. The position is for Customs and Border Protection. Show me a port where every officer has above 20/100 uncorrected vision and I'll show you the tooth fairy. Hell the guy that did my fingerprinting had glasses an inch thick. Even my optometrist said it was a stupid requirement since 20/100 is bad anyway, but thats besides the point.

There is only about a 3 month window where my uncorrected vision will need to be at a certain level. If you fail your uncorrected vision test (part of a whole bunch of medical/physical tests), you have one month to get surgery, and then a 3 month waiting period after surgery to check your vision a 2nd time. After that, I will be hired, and quite happy to wear glasses/contacts/get followup procedures.

"Getting lasik wont guarantee you get that job"- Actually yes, it will. It's a conditional offer. All I have to do is pass the pre-employemnt screening and I'm in.

And I'm not 40. I'm 26.

I'm assuming your'e not a doctor, so could you just answer my original question instead of coming up with excuses not to get LASIK?

I'm not a Dr and Ace isn't a Dr. Infact, Ace hasn't had the surgery.

Be careful who you listen to here. I'd listen to your optometrist. She's qualified and has examined you. I doubt a Dr will answer here since they haven't examined you and might face liability issues if they made a bad recommendation.

"The optometrist I visited told me that she could not recommend me as a LASIK candidate because my prescription had changed too much"

"I'm assuming your'e not a doctor, so could you just answer my original question instead of coming up with excuses not to get LASIK?"

Im not a doctor. Ok ill answer the question. As long as you get down to 20/100 without correction, you can get the job then wear glasses to correct you the rest of the way. If your vision gets worse, you wont be fired once you "pass" and get the job. You only need to get down to 20/100 or better then your good to go reguardless if your vision gets worse. Therefore your fluctuating vision wont matter much as long as it doesnt get worse than 20/100 in order to get hired. Its up to you if you want to get lasik just to get the job even though youll still need glasses anyway.