Refractive surgery center enables warriors to shed glasses, contacts

Published Sept. 21, 2011
By 81st Medical Group
Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Hospital's warfighter refractive surgery center offers PRK or all-laser LASIK for active-duty military members who want to get out of their glasses or contact lenses.

The Keesler facility is one of the largest refractive surgery centers in the Air Force, performing almost 2,000 procedures last year.

"Our outcomes are incredible," said Capt. (Dr.) Marcus Neuffer, chief of refractive surgery.

"Ninety-six percent of our patients achieve vision of 20/20 or better after surgery, and almost 100 percent see well enough to pass a driver's test without glasses." Maj. (Dr.) Roger Thomas, another of the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron's refractive surgeons, added, "Refractive surgery is one of the benefits the Air Force offers its members.

Outside the military, refractive surgery can cost up to $5,000, but in the military, it's free.

"Mission readiness is the reason for offering such a procedure to military members," he continued.

"Anyone who has deployed or participated in field training recognizes how debilitating glasses are in rain, sand, mud, fog and especially when wearing a gas mask. Refractive surgery permits members to be independent of glasses and contact lenses, allowing them to function better in austere environments."

Neuffer said, "A common question we're asked is, 'What's better, LASIK or PRK?' My answer is that it depends on the individual. The visual outcome is the same for both procedures, but recovery time is different."

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) has a longer recovery time than LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ meratomileusis). However, many patients prefer PRK because they feel it's less invasive. To determine which treatment to use, physicians perform a thorough exam on each patient and afterwards discuss with the patient what procedure would be best for his or her eyes.

Since reopening in 2006, the center has performed close to 6,000 treatments. Staffed with four surgeons, five technicians, an optometrist and two administrative personnel, the center has no waiting list and is able to meet the surgical demands of members stationed locally and throughout the Southeast.

"This is an incredible program for our active duty members," noted clinic manager Desiree Landry. "Not only is it critical for readiness, but it's also such a life-changing event for so many."

More information and forms are available on the Air Force's refractive surgery website, http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/USAF-RS. For more information, call 376-5735 or 0567.