TP 13312

•	Foreword
•	Section 1
•	Section 2
•	Neurology
•	Cardiovascular
•	Diabetes
•	Asthma
•	Other Policies
•	Contacts
•	Alternate Formats

Requirements for Medical Certification Following Refractive Surgery

Prior to medical certification after corneal refractive surgery the following conditions must be met. These conditions apply to all medical categories and to initial and subsequent treatments. The emphasis is on the stability of vision and refraction.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomeulesis (LASIK)

• Minimum intervals between withdrawal of eye drops after refractive surgery and medical certification for pre-operative refractive error of : 
   
  Up to 6.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:
    

  PRK - 3 months

  LASIK - 3 months

  6.00 to 10.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:

  PRK - 6 months

  LASIK - 3 months

  Greater than 10.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:

  PRK - 6 months

  LASIK - 6 months
    

• Visual acuity which meets the required standards
    
• No “haloing”, haze or night vision problems
    
• Refraction and visual acuity remaining stable, as demonstrated by refraction and visual acuity measurements at 3 and 6 months post-surgery 
    
• No significant reduction in contrast sensitivity measurements
    
• No ongoing medical treatment of the eyes
    
• Completion of a specific questionnaire by a vision care specialist
    
• Follow-up report by a vision care specialist 12 months after medical certification.
    

Radial Keratotomy (RK)  

• Minimum intervals between withdrawal of eye drops after refractive surgery and medical certification for pre-operative refractive error of :
    
  Up to 6.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:

    
  3 months

  6.00 to 10.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:

  6 months

  Greater than 10.00 Dioptres spherical equivalent:

  6 months
    

• Visual acuity which meets the required standards
   
• No haze or night vision problems
   
• Refraction and visual acuity remaining stable, as demonstrated by refraction and visual acuity measurements at 3 and 6 months post-surgery 
   
• No significant diurnal variation in visual acuity
   
• No ongoing medical treatment of the eyes
   
• Completion of a specific questionnaire by a vision care specialist

Note: In selected cases, applicants can return to daylight flying or ATC duties after 1 month, provided the Ophthalmologist has confirmed good stable results without complications.

November 2003