How bad is my vison?

Question

I have -4.50 diopeters of correction in both eyes. Is that bad? Will I still be able to join the marines or become a police officer?

Answer 1

Joe,

As for the first question, I'd rate your refractive error as "moderate."  Different authorities will vary a little bit in the classification of myopia, but that isn't severe.  

As for your question about joining the Marines with that vision, you would be within standards if glasses or contacts correct you to 20/20.  Up until about a year ago, I was a physician in the Navy, and four of those years were spent caring for Marines.  You wouldn't need a waiver to get in for that level of refractive error if glasses correct you to 20/20.  

Even if your vision required a stronger correction than yours, it would probably just mean more paperwork (I was very myopic and had to do a waiver, but wasn't a big deal).

Not sure what the police academy physical requirements are, you'd have to check with them on that...probably varies somewhat between states/cities.

Answer 2

I would call it "medium".   I'm currently at -7.0.

Answer 3

My brother has +4.5 in his eyes, and yes its pretty bad. As far as joining the marines go, with the current situation this country is in, i dont think they will be too discriminating

Answer 4

It is pretty bad. My vision is bad too - around 5. I was at 4.75 on my previous prescription. I don't know if it will stop you from joining the marines or police first, but you can save up for lasik surgery.