What is the reason for setting 450 microns as the limit for cornea thickness for pilot performance?
MAY 17, 2013
Question:
The Indian Navy has rejected me as a pilot after my medical evaluation. The reason for this is that my "post-LASIK corneal thickness is less than 450 microns." My corneal thickness is 407 microns in the right eye and 424 microns in the left eye. What is the reason for setting 450 microns as the limit? How does this hamper flying performance?
Answer:
If your corneas have normal topography and do not show ectasia or other problems, and your vision testing, perhaps including stereovision, color vision and contrast sensitivity all are within the set criteria for other candidates, then there is no basis for this limitation. I do not know your rights to due process, but you certainly have a valid reason to contest this decision as having no scientific basis.