LASIK For Army Candidates: Is It Allowed? What’s The Eyesight Requirement?

Thinking to join Indian Army? But worried that your eyesight might hold you back? It could be because you might have a less-than-perfect vision, or you wear glasses on daily basis which might be holding you to join army…

Did you thought of going under LASIK surgery for specs removal? But the question is, “is lasik allowed in Army”, “what is the eyesight requirement to join army, CDS, NDA”, how LASIK surgery can play a role, and whether candidates with vision issues can still meet the standards for selection.

Well, let’s dive in and see how you can qualify, no matter the condition of your eyesight!

Is LASIK Allowed for Army Selection?

Many aspiring candidates often wonder if LASIK surgery could disqualify them from joining the Indian Army or other defense forces. The good news is that LASIK surgery is allowed, but there are some important guidelines and time frames that candidates must follow.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Time Frame for LASIK Surgery:
  • After undergoing LASIK, candidates are required to wait for a specific period before they can apply to the army. This waiting period ensures that the eyes are fully healed and stable.
  • Typically, the Indian Army mandates a 6-month recovery period after LASIK surgery before candidates can undergo the medical examination. This time allows the eyes to heal completely and ensures the vision remains stable.
• When to Get LASIK Surgery:
  • Candidates are advised to get LASIK surgery well in advance of their recruitment process to avoid any issues with the recovery time. For example, it’s generally recommended to undergo LASIK at least 6 months to 1 year before attempting the army selection process.
• Eligibility After LASIK Surgery:
  • Post-surgery stability is key. The army requires that the vision be stable, with no further changes after the surgery. If your vision stabilizes post-LASIK, you may be eligible to join the army.
  • However, there are specific color perception tests and vision standards that must be met, even after LASIK. If a candidate fails to meet these after surgery, they may still be disqualified.
• Special Guidelines:
  • Some branches of the military may have stricter requirements regarding LASIK surgery, especially for roles requiring sharp vision like pilots or snipers.
  • In general, LASIK surgery is more acceptable for army candidates, but if you’re considering a specific role within the army, it’s important to confirm whether the surgery is allowed for that position.

Minimum Eye Requirements for Joining the Indian Army

When it comes to joining the Indian Army, having good eyesight is crucial for passing the medical examination. However, many candidates are unsure about the exact vision standards and whether they can still join the army with mild eye conditions. Let’s break down the minimum eye requirements and address some common queries, including whether LASIK surgery can help meet these standards.

Normal Vision Standards

• The Indian Army requires candidates to have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye (with or without correction). This means that a candidate should have normal vision, where they can see objects clearly at a distance of 6 meters.
• 6/6 vision indicates that the person can see at 6 meters what a normal person can see at the same distance.
• 6/9 vision means the person can only see what a normal person would see from a distance of 9 meters, not 6 meters.

Refractive Errors: Myopia and Hypermetropia

• Myopia (nearsightedness) and hypermetropia (farsightedness) are common refractive errors that may affect vision. The army has specific limits for these conditions:
  • Myopia should not exceed -2.5 D.
  • Hypermetropia should not exceed +3.5 D.
• If a candidate has mild myopia or hypermetropia, they can still meet the army’s vision standards by wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses. However, anything beyond the specified limit may lead to disqualification.

Color Vision

• Color vision is an important requirement for army candidates. The army requires candidates to have the ability to identify colors (especially red, green, and white) from a certain distance.
• A CP-III (Color Perception) standard is required, which means that candidates must be able to distinguish between colors at a distance of 1.5 meters.

LASIK Surgery and Army Vision Standards

• LASIK surgery can be a game-changer for candidates with refractive errors. If a candidate has mild myopia or hypermetropia, they may be eligible to undergo LASIK surgery to improve their vision and meet the army’s standards.
• After LASIK, candidates must wait for a 6-month recovery period before applying to the army to ensure their vision is stable.
• LASIK surgery is allowed for recruits, but candidates must meet the required post-surgery vision stability and pass the army’s vision tests post-recovery.

Other Vision-related Conditions

• Conditions such as astigmatism, cataracts, or severe color blindness may disqualify candidates. The army has strict rules regarding these conditions, and candidates with these issues are generally not eligible to join unless treated and corrected before recruitment.

How Mild Eye Conditions Don’t Affect Army Eligibility

• Many candidates with mild eye conditions can still join the Indian Army as long as their vision is corrected to meet the army’s standards. For instance, if your vision is 6/9 in one eye and corrected to 6/6 with glasses or lenses, you can still be eligible.
• Even if you have refractive errors like mild myopia, wearing glasses or contact lenses can help you meet the army’s vision criteria.

Vision Standards for CDS Candidates (Combined Defence Services)

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a highly competitive route for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. To ensure that all candidates are fit for the physical and mental demands of these services, the Indian Army has strict vision standards. Here’s a breakdown of the vision requirements for CDS candidates:

Eye Requirements for Agniveer

With the introduction of the Agniveer scheme, the Indian Army has slightly adjusted its vision requirements for candidates. These changes vary slightly depending on the branch you’re applying for, whether it’s the Ground Forces (Infantry) or the Technical Branch. Here’s a breakdown of the eye requirements under the Agniveer scheme, including refractive error limits and LASIK surgery guidelines.

Eye Requirements for Ground Forces (Infantry)

• Refractive Error Limit: Candidates applying for Ground Forces (Infantry) need to have a refractive error limit of -2.5 D. This means that if you have myopia (nearsightedness), it should not exceed this limit. Mild to moderate refractive errors are acceptable if corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
• Vision Without Glasses: Candidates should ideally have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye. This can be achieved through corrective lenses or contact lenses if necessary.
• Color Vision: Like other branches, candidates must pass the color perception test (CP-III) to identify key colors (red, green, and white) at a distance of 1.5 meters.

Eye Requirements for Technical Branch

• Stricter Vision Standards: For candidates applying to the Technical Branch, the vision requirements are slightly stricter. These candidates must have:
  • 6/6 vision in both eyes (without correction) or 6/9 if using glasses or lenses.
• Refractive Error Limit: The refractive error limit for Technical Branch candidates is also -2.5 D for myopia. Any hypermetropia should not exceed +3.5 D.
• Color Vision: A CP-III color perception test is required, and candidates must be able to distinguish red, green, and white from 1.5 meters away.

LASIK Surgery Guidelines for Agniveer Candidates

• Post-Surgery Recovery Period: Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery need to follow strict guidelines:
  • After LASIK, a mandatory 6-month recovery period is required before applying for Agniveer selection.
  • This waiting period ensures that the eyes are fully healed and that vision has stabilized.
• Eligibility After LASIK: LASIK surgery is allowed for candidates, provided that:
  • The surgery was performed at least 6 months before the recruitment process.
  • The vision is stable, and no further changes occur in vision after the surgery.
• Candidates who have undergone LASIK will need to provide proper documentation confirming that the recovery period was followed and their vision is stable.

Other Eye Conditions and Exclusions

• Astigmatism: Mild astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea) is generally accepted, as long as the total refractive error remains within the prescribed limits.
• Cataracts or Major Eye Diseases: Candidates with conditions like cataracts or other severe eye diseases will be disqualified unless these conditions are corrected before recruitment.
• Color Blindness: As with other branches, candidates must pass the color vision test to identify red, green, and white from 1.5 meters. Those who fail the test may be disqualified from the Agniveer selection process.

SSB Medical Requirements

During the SSB medical test, candidates undergo a thorough eye examination to ensure they meet the vision standards required for military service. In short, the SSB medical test checks for clear vision, color perception, and refractive errors. LASIK surgery is allowed if you meet the recovery guidelines.

Conclusion

Are you ready to take the first step toward clearer, sharper vision and unlock your potential to join the Indian Army? If weak eyesight has been holding you back, LASIK surgery could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your dream.

With the right vision correction and a little preparation, you can meet the army’s standards and make your way to a bright future.

Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK Surgery at EyeMantra, one of the top eye hospitals. Call us today at +91 9711116605 and Book your free consultation now!