Refractive surgery in the United States Air Force.
OBJECTIVE
Laser refractive surgery in the United States Air Force has developed into a robust program since its inception in 2001. The goal of this study is to summarize recent developments in the program. Presentations at national meetings, recently published articles, and unpublished data from ongoing studies in the area of photorefractive keratectomy and laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis are discussed.


RESULTS
Photorefractive keratectomy continues to be the most commonly performed corneal refractive surgery procedure in the United States Air Force. However, as the overall superiority of femtosecond laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis flaps compared with microkeratome-assisted flaps continues to be established, there is an increasing trend towards this procedure. With a recent change in Air Force policy, photorefractive keratectomy and laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis are now both approved for nonaviators and aviators, with the aviators undergoing contrast sensitivity and other additional testing to ensure readiness.


CONCLUSIONS
As members of the United States Air Force have stringent visual demands in carrying out their duties, the quality and safety of any refractive procedure are of the utmost importance. Thorough evaluation of ongoing advances in refractive surgery will help ensure that our airmen continue to meet the visual demands placed on them.
Panday
Vasudha A
VA
Department of Ophthalmology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas 78236, USA. vasudhapanday@hotmail.com
Reilly
Charles D
CD
D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States