If I told you that the Irish army has a strict policy against recruiting those who have had LASIK eye correction surgery (or any of its alternatives), wouldn’t you think the same thing? Wouldn’t you echo my belief that the Irish army is hopelessly outdated on its LASIK policy?

Well, whether you or I believe it or not, Irish doctors and eye surgeons certainly do. And I wouldn’t blame them given that not only the United States navy, but also Ireland’s close “neighbour”, the United Kingdom recruits post-LASIK applicants. In fact, the US Naval Academy even sponsors laser eye surgery for its recruits.

Ireland’s defence forces point towards the potential side effects of LASIK surgery, including the various post-op complications that can (but are unlikely to) occur. But doctors point to long-term research that shows such complications are rare. They point also to modern LASIK alternatives or sub-types, such as LASEK, that reduce such complications.

With all that, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Irish army seems to be reconsidering its stance - though it’s unlikely that their flawed and hugely outdated LASIK policy will be dismantled any time soon.

[News via Times Online]