USUHS / Military Summer officer course question

[quideam]

Okay, this question may seem minor, but it's a pretty big deal to me...
I wear contact lenses (myopia -6); it's fine for military requirements, but here is my concern: I've been wearing contacts since 9th grade, and it's difficult for me to wear glasses; everything looks curved and weird on the sides... anyway, I know that they make you wear glasses when you're in the field, but I was wondering if I would have to wear glasses the ENTIRE time at the officer basic course, or if I could wear contact lenses most of the time and glasses just when we're doing 'dirty' activities....

If anyone knows, the answer, please let me know!!
😕

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

quideam,

The official answer is no contacts in the field. However, lots of folks still wear them in a tactical environment, although it is not supposed to happen. In most cases, you won't have any trouble, at least until you have to experience the chemical environment simulator (gas chamber). You will have the opportunity to experience CS gas (basically tear gas) without your protective mask. If you get that stuff in your eyes and you're wearing contacts, you'll be in a world of hurt. Most people I've known who wear contacts in the field take a pair of glasses along for just such an occasion. Personally, I would recommend wearing your glasses the entire time you are in the field. I have always worn mine in the field and it's a lot easier than worrying about losing a lens.

When you're in garrison (non-tactical phase of training, i.e., classroom time), you can wear contacts.

Hope this helps.

CA

 

[phil413ru]

I have to agree with CaptainAmerica. You can wear contacts in garrison, but I highly recommend not doing so in the field. For example, as previously stated, some field activities will cause serious damage if you wear contacts--especially NBC (chemical CS gas) training. In Basic training, the drill sergeants told us that the CS gas would react with the chemicals in contacts, causing serious damage to eyes. (Heck, the gas will make your eyes burn even without contacts). Plus, in the field, it will be difficult to take in an out. I always just wore glasses in the field. This way I didn't have to worry about getting dirt/dust in eyes. It is akward, but well worth the hassle.

Best luck! See you this summer! (Army OBC)

 

[Caffeinated]

Originally posted by quideam
Okay, this question may seem minor, but it's a pretty big deal to me...
I wear contact lenses (myopia -6); it's fine for military requirements, but here is my concern: I've been wearing contacts since 9th grade, and it's difficult for me to wear glasses; everything looks curved and weird on the sides... anyway, I know that they make you wear glasses when you're in the field, but I was wondering if I would have to wear glasses the ENTIRE time at the officer basic course, or if I could wear contact lenses most of the time and glasses just when we're doing 'dirty' activities....

If anyone knows, the answer, please let me know!!
😕

As a current Army optometrist, this question is right up my alley. You didn't say what branch you are in, but the answer is pretty much the same for all of them. Army regulation (AR 40-5 Preventive Medicine) states that contact lens wear will be prohibited during gas chamber exercises, field training, and combat. All other times (i.e., in a garrision environment) contact lenses are ok. There are new regulations governing colored contact lenses in AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia). Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized while in uniform, except for medical indications (i.e., a lens that provides a better consmetic appearance for a disfigured eye). If your lenses have a light "visibility tint" don't fret, you're still good.

Hope this helps.

 

[quideam]

Thank you everyone for replying so quickly!! I'm actually just applying to med schools this summer, but USUHS is my top choice, and my concerns about the glasses were raising doubts in my mind about applying.... however, I think that it will be okay... I might have to sneak by with some lenses wear in the field, but I will definetly start practicing wearing glasses more....
Again, thanks 🙂

By the way, does anyone know if LASIX or PRK is disqualifying for anything other than pilot training, or if you can get a waiver for them?

Zina

 

[cdreed]

I know that the AF does PRK at Wilford Hall. I was going to have it myself, but I was counseled that it was a disqualifying condition for the HPSP and USUHS. If anyone knows any different, please correct me. I do not know if there is a waiver for that or not.

My best advice would be to get into USUHS or the HPSP first, then have the procedure done. Lots of officers on my unit have undergone PRK recently with great results. Then time lost from work is considered convalescent leave and is paid for. Not to mention that the procedure is paid for, as well. I would like to have PRK now, but I have resolved to wait until graduation from med school so that the AF will do it without interfering with my scholarship.

Cyndi