Can You wear contacts in the military?

Can You Wear Contacts in the Military?

If you’re considering a career in the military, you may be wondering if you can wear contact lenses as a service member. The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as just wearing whatever type of contact lens you prefer. The military has specific regulations and guidelines when it comes to contact lenses, and you’ll need to meet certain requirements before being allowed to wear them.

Military Contact Lens Regulations

The military’s contact lens regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all service members. The Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is responsible for ensuring that all incoming recruits meet the military’s standards for vision and contact lens use.

Here are some key regulations to be aware of:

• Prescription requirements: The military requires a valid prescription for contact lenses, just like civilian life. Your prescription must be up-to-date and in your name.
• Lens type: The military only allows soft contact lenses, which are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation. Hard contact lenses are not approved for use in the military.
• Power limits: Contact lenses are not allowed for service members with certain vision conditions, such as extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness.
• Daily wear limits: The military sets daily wear limits for contact lenses, which means you can’t wear them for extended periods of time.
• Cleaning and maintenance: The military requires regular cleaning and maintenance of contact lenses to prevent infection and ensure good eye health.

Meeting Military Contact Lens Requirements

If you’re planning to join the military, you’ll need to meet the military’s contact lens requirements before being allowed to wear them. Here are some steps you can take:

• Get a valid prescription: Make sure you have a valid prescription for your contact lenses, and that it’s in your name.
• Choose the right lenses: Select soft contact lenses that meet the military’s standards.
• Meet power limits: Check with a military recruiter or ophthalmologist to determine if your vision prescription meets the military’s power limits.
• Obtain a medical waiver: If you have a condition that requires you to wear contact lenses, you may need to obtain a medical waiver from a military recruiter or medical officer.

Contact Lens Use in Specific Military Environments

Certain military environments may require specific contact lens considerations. For example:

• Special Forces: Service members in Special Forces units may require specialized contact lenses that provide improved low-light vision or night vision capabilities.
• Diving and Scuba Operations: Service members participating in diving and scuba operations may require special contact lenses that provide improved underwater vision.
• Desert Environments: Service members operating in desert environments may require special contact lenses that provide improved vision in high-temperature, high-dust conditions.

Alternatives to Contact Lenses

If you’re unable to wear contact lenses for military service, there are alternative options to consider:

• Glasses: The military allows service members to wear glasses, as long as they meet specific standards.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision.
• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve vision.

Conclusion

Wearing contact lenses in the military requires careful consideration and compliance with specific regulations and guidelines. If you’re planning to join the military, it’s essential to meet the military’s contact lens requirements and be aware of the alternatives available. Remember to consult with a military recruiter or ophthalmologist to determine if you meet the military’s standards for contact lens use.

Table: Military Contact Lens Requirements

Additional Resources

• Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS): www.meeps.gov
• Military Contact Lens Guidelines: www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Eyes-Ears-and-Oral-Care/Contact-Lenses
• Ophthalmology Contact Lens Association: www.ophthalmologyinfo.org/contact-lenses

Remember to always consult with a medical professional before making any decisions about contact lens use in the military.