Is surgery to improve visual acuity allowed?
As of September 2007, the refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects. For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested.
The 2009 class will be a brave new world indeed. You had better hurry though, according to the time line of selection, interviewees will be brought to Johnson Space Center in
November-December 2008 for interviews and medical evaluation. With a year needed post surgery to be eligible, you better schedule that elective surgery now. According to company literature, over 50% of rejected astronaut applicants have been dismissed due to poor vision. (And just think, contact lens wearers can do away with a few extra bottles of liquids when going through airport security, that is probably worth the cost of the surgery right there!) This new policy could make next years selection all the more competitive. As of September 2007, the refractive surgical procedures of the eye, PRK and LASIK, are now allowed, providing at least 1 year has passed since the date of the procedure with no permanent adverse after effects. For those applicants under final consideration, an operative report on the surgical procedure will be requested.
