Laser eye at 16?

Question

Hi, I am short sighted and I wish to join the Royal Marines (British Marines, so you are not allowed to wear glasses/ Contacts). I really want to go at 18 but I can't because unfortunatly I am short sighted.

I was wondering.... Could I get Laser eye at 16?

I would have it at 18, but I heard that you have to take eyedrops for something like 2 years, and I wont be able to take them in the Marines.

I know that the 'eye exercises' are a scam, I've had friends try it and it didn't work. But if you know of any way which could improve my eyesight, I would love you to bits.

My friend does train spotting (I know, sounds like fun, don't it? ¬_¬). And his eyesight is perfect, if anything, it is better than perfect if possible. So I was wondering if I could take it up to improve my eyesight.

BUT! (Now here's the 'But'). Because I am already Short Sighted, I heard that straining/Squinting your eyes damages them. So that could be a big - No No!

Thank you so much for you time.

Cheers!

Answer 1

It's highly doubtful any surgeon would do your eyes at 16.

The reason people have to wait is to make sure the vision is stable , meaning no change, or at least very little for 18 months to 2 years.

At 16 your eyes are probably still changing...and may do so up to your early 20's...which is common.

But you could always consult with an opthalmologist who does laser surgery and get the scoop first hand. You may be an exception to the rule.

Sorry...there is no miracle way to make your eyesite better...that's what the surgery is for.

Squinting and straining won't damage your vision...don't worry about that.

Best of luck with your noble choice of profession, once you can get past that visual problem.

Answer 2

Do a search for "Bates method".  Contrary to popular belief, it is *not* the same as eye exercises.  I hope you haven't become too dependent on glasses, though, because that's a stumbling-block.