Can I Join Merchant Navy after LASIK Surgery

Looking to join the Merchant Navy or Indian Navy, but worried that your bad vision might hold you back? You might be wondering, “Can I join the Navy with bad eyesight”, or “What is the eyesight limit for Merchant Navy?” What if you wear glasses? Can you go under specs removal surgery and then join the Navy?

Well, in this blog, we’ll walk you through the minimum eyesight requirements for both Merchant Navy and Indian Navy recruitment, and explain how LASIK surgery could help you meet these standards.

Let’s dive in and clear up any doubts you might have about joining the Navy with a corrected vision!

What Are the Eye Sight Requirements for Merchant Navy Recruitment?

If you’re looking to join the Merchant Navy, having the right vision is crucial to qualify for different roles on board. The vision standards vary depending on the specific role you’re applying for, including the Deck Side, Engine Side, and Kitchen Side. Let’s break down the minimum eyesight requirements for each role:

Deck Side (Navigation)

• Ideal Vision: Both eyes should have 6/6 vision, which means perfect vision where you can see clearly at 6 meters.
• Acceptable Vision: If one eye has 6/6 vision and the other has 6/9 vision, you are still eligible for the Deck Side role. This allows for slight visual impairment in one eye, as long as the other eye is perfect.

Engine Side (Mechanical/Engineering)

• Vision Requirements: For the Engine Side, you need to have 6/12 vision in both eyes. If one eye has 6/9 vision and the other has 6/18 vision, you can still be eligible for this role.
• This slightly lower vision requirement for the

Kitchen Side (Salon Rating)

• Vision Limit: For candidates applying for the Kitchen Side (Salon Rating) role, the maximum acceptable vision is 6/18 in both eyes.
• If one eye has and the other has 6/24 vision, you are still eligible for this role.

General Requirements

• In general, corrective glasses or contact lenses are allowed to meet these visual standards, so if you have refractive errors, they can be corrected with eyewear.
• For all roles, color vision (the ability to distinguish red, green, and white) is also essential, and candidates need to pass the color perception test during the medical examination.

Can I Join the Navy with Glasses?

Yes, you can join the Merchant Navy or the Indian Navy while wearing glasses. As long as you meet the vision standards for the specific role you’re applying for, corrective eyewear is allowed.

The navy’s medical standards allow candidates to use glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision test. Whether you’re applying for the Deck Side, Engine Side, or Kitchen Side (Salon Rating), wearing glasses to meet the required visual acuity won’t disqualify you.

If your vision is within the accepted range with corrective lenses, you’re good to go! Just make sure to have your eyewear ready during the medical exam, and you’ll be eligible to move forward in the recruitment process.

Is LASIK Surgery Allowed for Merchant Navy and Indian Navy Candidates?

Yes, LASIK surgery is allowed for candidates who wish to join the Merchant Navy or Indian Navy! In fact, it is a viable option for those with refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hypermetropia (farsightedness) who want to meet the vision requirements for naval recruitment.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility After LASIK:
  Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery to correct refractive errors can still qualify for both the Merchant Navy, provided they meet the necessary post-surgery recovery and vision stability requirements.
• Post-Surgery Recovery Period:
  After undergoing LASIK surgery, candidates must wait for a minimum recovery period of 6 months before appearing for the medical examination. This waiting period ensures that your vision is stable and any potential side effects of the surgery, such as fluctuating vision, have been resolved.
• Stable Vision:
  The key factor is that your vision must be stable after LASIK surgery. The navy will require proof that the vision has stabilized, and no further changes are expected in your eye health.
• Documentation Required:
  You will need to provide medical documentation confirming that you have had LASIK surgery and that your vision is stable. It’s essential to follow the recommended post-surgery care and ensure that you meet all recovery guidelines.
• LASIK and Specific Roles:
  LASIK surgery is generally accepted across all roles, but for certain specialized positions, such as pilots or those requiring exceptional visual acuity, the navy may have additional requirements regarding LASIK surgery. It’s always best to check with the recruitment office for any specific guidelines for such roles.

In summary, LASIK surgery is a valid option for Merchant Navy and Indian Navy candidates with refractive errors, as long as you meet the necessary recovery period and vision stability. It’s a great way to correct vision and enhance eligibility for recruitment!

How Long After LASIK Can You Join the Military?

After LASIK surgery, you must wait between 6 months to 1 year before you can join the Merchant Navy or Indian Navy. This waiting period ensures that your vision has fully stabilized and any potential post-surgery changes are resolved. During this time, your eyes will heal and your vision will settle into its final state.

Once your vision is stable and you meet the required vision standards, you can proceed with the medical examination for military recruitment. Always consult with your eye doctor and the recruitment office to confirm your eligibility after LASIK.

Conclusion

If you’ve had LASIK surgery or are thinking about it, there’s no reason it should stop you from joining the Merchant Navy or Indian Navy. After the required 6 months to 1 year recovery period, your vision can be just right for meeting the navy’s standards.

Ready to get started? Book your free LASIK consultation today at EyeMantra and take the first step toward a clearer vision and a great career in the navy. Call us at +91 9711116605 now!