New Procedure

Seeing is believing.

Just ask Cmdr. Steven Schallhorn, a rising star among the Navy's elite, those who proudly wear the Trident, Wings of Gold, and Dolphins.

In his pristine work spaces at Naval Medical Center San Diego he improves the lives of Sailors whose jobs place them extreme conditions; where mud, high G's and hostile operating environments make wearing glasses and contacts almost impossible.

Schallhorn, a Medical Corps doctor and noted ophthalmologist, has begun working with Navy SEALs, aviators, submariners, and others who could benefit from PRK, Photorefractive Keratectomy; a procedure which improves vision through laser surgery. PRK utilizes a computerized laser to make microscopic changes to the eye's structure, allowing for clearer distance vision. According to Schallhorn, "The effectiveness of PRK shows that between 85 to 98% of patients see vision improvement to 20/40 and up to 75% will achieve 20/20 uncorrected vision."

Civilians who have already undergone PRK will find themselves on the outside looking in if they want to join the military. Current military policy excludes PRK recipients from signing on the dotted line, allowing them to serve. Even active duty personnel, who have undergone PRK, will find they cannot get into certain warfare specialties such as the aviation, special warfare and submarine communities. However. change is in the air.

Schallhorn recently presented a brief to the Naval Strike Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at Naval Air Station Fallon, NV, where TOPGUN, Strike U and TOPDOME now reside. The cutting edge of Naval Aviation has become interested in implementing the cutting edge of medicine; to improve aircrew vision and increase survivability of aircrew and aircraft.

The Navy's SEALs, who operate in the most extreme conditions, have been working with Schallhorn and staff, to determine whether their community can use PRK safely and effectively. Saltwater, sand, mud, brush and other environmental elements can make wearing eyeglasses difficult, at best. Contacts fare no better in field conditions. In addition, the use of Night Vision Goggles, biologic/chemical hazard suits, precludes easy use of eyeglasses.

"The potential for implementation of PRK in special warfare, as well as the other communities, is good," according to Dr. Schallhorn. "Although the studies are in the early stages, initial indicators seem to point toward PRK having no negative impact on readiness, and should improve readiness considerably," he added.

There are some potential drawbacks to PRK. As with any surgery, there is the possibility, however remote, of scarring or infection. With PRK, some patients have reported some initial difficulty with night vision and with a halo effect from lights. These problems typically resolve with time.

As each warfare community participates in PRK studies, the likelihood of full implementation of PRK increases, bringing better vision to the Fleet in a safe and effective manner. Maintaining readiness is a Navy-wide effort. With the advent of PRK, the Fleet will be better able to see the value of Navy medicine.