Photorefractive Keratectomy in Experienced U.S. Naval Aviators: A Prospective Evaluation.

Purpose: To report on the prospective evaluation of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in experienced ametropic naval aviators that led to the approval of refractive surgery for military pilots.

Methods: This was the first study evaluating refractive surgery in naval aviators. Return to flight status after PRK and clinical outcomes and subjective and objective flight performance were evaluated.

Results: A total of 785 U.S. naval aviators were enrolled in the study. Average preoperative refraction was -2.92 ± 1.73 diopters (D) (range: +5.25 to -9.13 D). By 6 months, 85.9% of eyes were within ±0.50 D and 96.4% were within ±1.00 D of emmetropia. 94.4% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better, 74.3% had 20/16 or better, and 45.2% had 20/12.5 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 6 months. A total of 78.5% of aviators met return-to-flight criteria by 4 weeks, 83.3% by 8 weeks, and 90.8% by 12 weeks following PRK. All aviators eventually returned to full flight status. Cumulative flight experience included logging more than 48,000 flight hours and 19,500 landings in the 6 months following PRK. Psychometric questionnaire results showed that 78% reported improved ability to detect other aircraft and 92% reported improved ability to land on an aircraft carrier (82% significantly improved) compared to wearing corrective lenses. No one felt their vision was worse in these dynamic environments. All aviators indicated they would undergo the procedure again and would recommend it to a fellow aviator.

Conclusions: This prospective study in U.S. naval aviators determined PRK to be safe and effective in a unique patient population operating in a visually demanding and hazardous environment. The program continues to be enthusiastically supported by aviators and PRK is now allowed in all branches of the military and for National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(6):e371-e380.].