When it comes to joining the military, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. One of the most important factors is your physical health – everything from your height and weight to your eyesight will be carefully evaluated before you’re allowed to enter the armed forces. For many people with poor eyesight, this can be a source of concern. They may wonder, “Can you get drafted if you have bad eyesight?” The short answer is, it depends.
In the past, the military had very strict requirements when it came to eyesight. Generally, if you didn’t have near-perfect vision, you would be disqualified from service. However, in recent years, the rules have changed somewhat. While it’s still true that vision plays a crucial role in serving in the military, there are now more options for people with less-than-perfect eyesight. Depending on your situation, you may still be able to serve in the armed forces even if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
Of course, there are still limitations. There are certain roles within the military that require excellent eyesight, such as pilots, special forces operatives, and some infantry positions. If you’re hoping to serve in one of these capacities, you’ll need to have near-perfect vision. However, for many other jobs within the military, having some degree of refractive error may not be a problem at all. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your specific situation and the needs of the branch of the military you’re interested in joining.
Military Vision Standards
Military vision standards are an important part of the screening process for anyone who wants to join any branch of the United States military. The standards are in place to ensure that each individual is capable of performing their duties efficiently and safely. Visual acuity is an important part of many military jobs, especially in combat, and therefore, the military has created specific guidelines to determine a person’s eligibility for service.
- The military vision standards will vary depending on the branch of service in question. However, some basic requirements include minimum uncorrected visual acuity, minimum corrected visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception.
- For the Army and Marine Corps, the minimum uncorrected visual acuity for both eyes is 20/200, while the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard require a minimum of 20/100.
- The minimum corrected visual acuity, which includes the use of glasses or contacts, is 20/20 for all branches of the military.
In addition to visual acuity, the military also requires candidates to have normal color vision and depth perception. Color vision is tested using the Ishihara color test, which is a series of plates with dots that form numbers or shapes in a different color. Depth perception is measured through the use of stereopsis tests.
It is important to note that the military also has specific guidelines regarding refractive surgery such as LASIK. While in the past, LASIK may have been a disqualifying factor, the military has now revised its standards to allow individuals who have undergone the surgery to join.
| Branch of Service | Uncorrected vision requirement | Corrected vision requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Army and Marine Corps | 20/200 | 20/20 |
| Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard | 20/100 | 20/20 |
In conclusion, the military vision standards are put in place to ensure that each individual in the military is able to carry out their duties efficiently and safely. While the specific requirements may vary between the branches of service, some basic requirements include minimum uncorrected visual acuity, minimum corrected visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception. The use of refractive surgery such as LASIK is also permitted, as long as the individual meets specific requirements.
Eye conditions that disqualify from military service
When it comes to joining the military, having good eyesight is essential. This is because many military jobs require excellent visual acuity and the ability to spot and identify targets from afar.
Unfortunately, if you have certain eye conditions, you may not be able to enlist in the military. Here are some of the eye conditions that can disqualify you:
- Refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism that are worse than a certain level
- Color vision deficiency that is too severe to pass the military’s color vision test
- Certain eye diseases such as glaucoma and keratoconus
In addition to these eye conditions, there are also vision standards that you must meet to join the military. These standards include:
- Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye (with or without corrective lenses)
- The ability to pass the military’s color vision test
- No history of certain eye surgeries such as radial keratotomy or LASIK within a certain time frame
It is important to note that the vision standards and eye conditions that disqualify you from military service may vary depending on the branch of the military and the specific job you are interested in.
| Branch of the military | Vision requirements |
|---|---|
| Army | Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye (with or without corrective lenses) |
| Air Force | Visual acuity of at least 20/70 in both eyes (with or without corrective lenses) |
| Navy | Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other eye (with or without corrective lenses) |
| Marine Corps | Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye (with or without corrective lenses) |
If you have bad eyesight and are considering joining the military, it is important to talk to a recruiter to determine if you meet the vision standards and if any of your eye conditions disqualify you from service.
Contact lenses and glasses in the military
It’s not uncommon for individuals to have vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. However, if you’re planning to join the military, you might be wondering if you can still be drafted with bad eyesight. The short answer is that it depends on the severity of your vision impairment and the job you’re planning to do in the military.
- If you have mild to moderate vision problems, such as being nearsighted or farsighted, you will likely be able to join the military with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- However, if you have more severe vision problems or require more specialized vision correction, you may be disqualified from certain military jobs or may be required to undergo additional testing.
- The military has specific vision requirements for each of its branches and job specialties, so it’s important to research and understand these requirements before enlisting.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you might be wondering if these are allowed in the military. The good news is that both corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses are generally allowed in the military. In fact, many military personnel wear corrective eyewear to improve their vision while on duty.
However, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind. For example, some jobs may require you to wear specific types of protective eyewear that may not be compatible with contact lenses. Additionally, if you have a history of eye infections or other eye problems, you may not be able to wear contact lenses while in the military.
Overall, if you have bad eyesight, it’s still possible to join the military with corrective eyewear. However, it’s important to understand the vision requirements for your chosen branch and job specialty, as well as any limitations or considerations for wearing glasses or contact lenses while on duty.
| Branch of Service | Distance Visual Acuity | Near Visual Acuity |
|---|---|---|
| Army | Distant Unaided: 20/40 | Not Required |
| Air Force | Distant Unaided: 20/20-20/70 | Jaeger J2 at 14 inches or 35.5 cm |
| Navy | Distant Unaided: 20/40 | Jaeger J2 at 12 inches or 30.5 cm |
| Marines | Distant Unaided: 20/40 | Not Required |
(Table Source: Military.com)
Lasik Surgery in the Military
Many people with poor eyesight are deterred from joining the military due to the stringent vision requirements. However, with advances in technology, the military has started to consider individuals who have had Lasik surgery as suitable candidates for service.
- LASIK or ‘laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis’ is a type of refractive surgery that can be performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure reshapes the cornea, allowing it to focus light correctly on the retina.
- Lasik surgery has become a popular option for people who want to improve their vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. According to a study conducted by the US Department of Defense, around 95% of participants who underwent Lasik reported having 20/20 vision or better after the procedure.
- The military recognizes the benefits of Lasik surgery and has introduced programs to provide a free Lasik surgery to eligible service members. These programs aim to enhance a fighter’s combat readiness by providing them with clear vision in challenging environments.
Service members who have undergone Lasik surgery must meet specific criteria to be eligible for deployment. Individuals who have recently undergone Lasik surgery must wait three months before applying to join the military, to allow sufficient time for healing and stabilization of vision.
Those who have undergone Lasik are often preferred over individuals who rely on glasses or contact lenses, as they can function without visual aids in high-pressure environments. A study conducted by the U.S. Navy found that sailors with Lasik surgery had a lower rate of lost workdays than those who used glasses or contact lenses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved vision quality and clarity | May require follow-up procedures or enhancements |
| Can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses | May experience side-effects such as glare, halos or double vision |
| Quick and efficient procedure, taking usually no more than 10 minutes | May not be suitable for people with certain eye conditions or health issues |
In conclusion, Lasik surgery has revolutionized vision correction and has become a viable option for those who wish to serve in the military. It provides improved vision clarity, eliminates the need for visual aids and allows individuals to function without hindrance in high-pressure environments. However, it’s crucial to weigh its pros and cons before deciding if Lasik surgery is the right choice for you.
Temporary waivers for eye conditions in the military
While poor eyesight can prevent an individual from joining the military, there are temporary waivers available for certain eye conditions. These waivers allow individuals to enlist and serve in the military temporarily, but only if specific conditions are met.
- Correctable vision: If an individual has a vision impairment that is correctable with the use of glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery, they may be eligible for a temporary waiver. The military will want to ensure that the individual can perform their duties with corrective lenses and that they have backup glasses or contacts in case of loss or damage.
- Color blindness: While color blindness can disqualify an individual from certain military roles, such as those requiring the ability to distinguish between colored wires or lights, some temporary waivers are available. These waivers typically apply to roles that do not require color vision, such as administrative or supply positions.
- Astigmatism: Individuals with astigmatism may be eligible for a temporary waiver if their vision can be corrected to meet military standards. The military will want to ensure that corrective lenses effectively correct the astigmatism and that they do not cause discomfort or interfere with the individual’s ability to perform their duties.
It’s important to note that temporary waivers are not guaranteed and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. While some individuals may be able to join the military with a waiver, others may be deemed ineligible due to the nature or severity of their eye condition.
If an individual receives a temporary waiver, they will be required to undergo regular eye exams to ensure that their vision remains within acceptable limits. If their vision deteriorates beyond the allowable standards, they may be reevaluated for continued service.
| Eye condition | Military standards | Temporary waiver potential? |
|---|---|---|
| Myopia (nearsightedness) | Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better in each eye | Possible with corrective lenses |
| Hyperopia (farsightedness) | Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better in each eye | Possible with corrective lenses |
| Astigmatism | Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or better with lenses that do not cause discomfort or interfere with duties | Possible with corrective lenses |
| Color blindness | Disqualifying for certain roles that require color vision | Possible for certain roles that do not require color vision, with restrictions |
In conclusion, while poor eyesight can disqualify an individual from joining the military, temporary waivers may be available for certain eye conditions that can be corrected to meet military standards. These waivers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed, so individuals should consult with a military recruiter to determine their eligibility.
Visual Acuity Requirements for Different Military Jobs
When it comes to joining the military, one common question is about visual acuity requirements. Can you get drafted if you have bad eyesight? The short answer is it depends on what military job you are interested in pursuing.
The following are the visual acuity requirements for different military jobs:
- Combat Arms (Infantry, Armor, Artillery): The minimum visual acuity required is 20/70 in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye. Correctable vision to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye is allowed.
- Combat Support: The minimum visual acuity required is 20/200 in one eye and 20/400 in the other eye, correctable to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye.
- Aviation: Pilots must have at least 20/70 vision in each eye, correctable to 20/20. Air traffic controllers must have at least 20/20 vision in one eye and no worse than 20/400 in the other eye.
It’s important to note that these are minimum requirements, and some jobs may have stricter visual acuity requirements. Additionally, if you are interested in a particular military job but don’t meet the minimum visual acuity requirements, you may still be able to pursue a waiver.
In addition to visual acuity requirements, individuals interested in joining the military must pass a medical examination and meet other physical and mental health criteria. These requirements vary depending on the branch of service and the specific job.
Types of Vision Problems that Disqualify Individuals from Military Service
While some military jobs have specific visual acuity requirements, there are certain vision problems that disqualify individuals from military service altogether. These include:
- Color vision deficiencies, which can impact an individual’s ability to distinguish between colors and shades, particularly in low light conditions.
- Ahistory of certain eye surgeries, such as LASIK or PRK, without a waiting period of at least one year.
- Severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Visual Acuity Requirements for Each Branch of the Military
Each branch of the military has its own specific visual acuity requirements, which can vary depending on the job. The following table provides an overview of the visual acuity requirements for each branch of the military:
| Branch of Service | Minimum Visual Acuity Requirements |
|---|---|
| Army | Depends on the job |
| Marine Corps | Minimum visual acuity of 20/200, correctable to 20/20 |
| Navy | Depends on the job |
| Air Force | Depends on the job, but most require at least 20/70 vision in each eye, correctable to 20/20 |
| Coast Guard | Minimum visual acuity of 20/100 in each eye, correctable to 20/20 |
As you can see, visual acuity requirements vary depending on the military job and branch of service. If you are interested in pursuing a military career but have vision problems, it’s important to research the specific requirements for the job you are interested in and talk to a recruiter about your options.
Special waivers for pilots and aircrew members
When it comes to flying planes or serving as a member of an aircrew, having good eyesight is crucial. However, those with bad eyesight are not necessarily disqualified from these roles. For pilots and aircrew members, there are special waivers that may be granted to individuals with certain vision impairments.
- Firstly, the FAA has established certain minimum standards of visual acuity for pilots and aircrew members. However, for those who do not meet these standards, there are vision tests that can be taken that may allow them to still qualify for the role.
- Waivers may also be granted on a case-by-case basis for individuals with certain vision impairments. For example, some pilots have been granted waivers for color vision deficiencies, which typically disqualify individuals from flying commercial aircraft.
- Another option is for individuals to wear corrective lenses or undergo surgery to improve their eyesight to meet the required standards. In some cases, individuals may be granted a provisional medical certificate that allows them to fly with certain limitations while they work to improve their vision.
It is important to note that these waivers are not guaranteed, and each case is evaluated on an individual basis. The FAA takes into account the individual’s overall health and fitness for flying, as well as the specific duties and responsibilities of the role.
Here is an example of the FAA’s visual acuity standards for pilots:
| Visual acuity | Distance | Allowed corrections |
|---|---|---|
| 20/20 to 20/40 | 16 inches | Corrective lenses |
| 20/50 to 20/200 | 10 feet | Corrective lenses or surgery |
| 20/70 or worse | 10 feet | No certification |
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pilot or aircrew member but have bad eyesight, it is important to do your research and speak with a medical professional to understand your options and the steps you can take to improve your chances of qualifying for the role.
Military Disability Ratings for Vision Impairments
When it comes to serving in the military, it’s important to have good eyesight since it can be necessary for identifying targets, reading maps, and navigating through dangerous territory. Even so, many individuals with poor eyesight have served in the military and continue to do so. If you’re interested in joining the military but have vision impairments, you may be wondering about military disability ratings and how they apply to visual issues.
- A visual impairment rating for the military is typically evaluated on a scale from 0-100, with 100 being total blindness.
- The rating system takes into account how much your vision affects your ability to complete certain tasks, such as driving or reading.
- The ratings system also considers whether your eyesight is correctable with glasses or contact lenses.
It’s possible to obtain a military disability rating for a variety of vision impairments, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Even partial blindness in one eye can result in a disability rating of up to 30%, while total blindness in both eyes can result in a rating of up to 100%.
The table below outlines the various military disability ratings for vision impairments:
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| 0% | No visual impairment |
| 10% | Slight impairment in one eye, or correctable impairment in both eyes |
| 20% | Impairment in one eye that interferes with depth perception or field of vision, or correctable impairment in one eye plus uncorrectable impairment in the other |
| 30% | Blind in one eye or partial impairment in both eyes |
| 40% | Blind in one eye, plus significant impairment in the other, or slight impairment in one eye and moderate impairment in the other |
| 50% | The sum of visual impairment ratings for each eye equal 50% or one eye has a 40% impairment |
| 60% | One eye has a 50% impairment or both eyes have a 40% impairment |
| 70% | One eye has a 60% impairment or both eyes have a 50% impairment |
| 100% | Total blindness in both eyes |
Keep in mind that obtaining a disability rating for a visual impairment doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from serving in the military. Your ability to perform certain tasks and duties will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Legal options for challenging disqualification based on eye conditions.
If you have bad eyesight, it can be a major obstacle to joining the military. However, there may be legal options available to you if you have been disqualified due to your eye condition.
- Contact an attorney: If you believe that you have been discriminated against based on your eye condition, you may want to consider contacting an attorney who specializes in military law. They can advise you on your options and help you draft a complaint if necessary.
- File a complaint: You can also file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Office at your recruiting station. They will investigate your complaint and take the appropriate action if they find that you were discriminated against.
- Request a waiver: Depending on your eye condition, you may be able to request a waiver from the military. This will require you to provide documentation from an eye doctor that outlines your condition and how it may affect your ability to serve.
It’s important to note that not all eye conditions will be eligible for a waiver. For example, certain conditions like colorblindness and amblyopia are typically disqualifying for military service.
If you do decide to pursue legal action, it’s important to understand the legal framework that applies to military discrimination cases. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) provides protections for military personnel against discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors, but it may not cover all forms of discrimination.
| Legal Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Contact an attorney | Can provide legal guidance and support | May be expensive and time-consuming |
| File a complaint | Can result in an investigation and corrective action | May not always lead to a favorable outcome |
| Request a waiver | May provide a path to enlistment despite an eye condition | May not be granted depending on the severity of the condition |
Ultimately, the best course of action will depend on your individual circumstances and the severity of your eye condition. If you are considering legal action, be sure to seek advice from an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and build a strong case.
FAQs About Can You Get Drafted If You Have Bad Eyesight
1. Can people with bad eyesight be drafted into the military?
Yes, people with bad eyesight can be drafted into the military. However, their eyesight must meet certain criteria and they may be limited in certain military jobs.
2. What are the eyesight requirements for military service?
The eyesight requirements for military service vary according to branch and job. However, most branches require uncorrected vision to be 20/200 or better in both eyes and corrected vision to be 20/20 or better in at least one eye.
3. Will wearing glasses or contact lenses disqualify someone from military service?
No, wearing glasses or contact lenses does not disqualify someone from military service as long as their corrected vision meets the necessary requirements. However, certain jobs may have additional vision requirements.
4. Can someone with color blindness be drafted into the military?
It depends on the severity of the color blindness. Certain military jobs that require the ability to distinguish between different colors may not be available to those with color blindness.
5. What happens if someone’s eyesight deteriorates after joining the military?
If someone’s eyesight deteriorates after joining the military, they may be re-evaluated and can potentially be medically discharged if their condition does not meet the necessary requirements.
6. Can someone with a history of eye surgery be drafted into the military?
It depends on the type of eye surgery and its success rate. Those who have had recent eye surgery may require a waiting period before being evaluated for military service.
7. Are there any waivers available for those whose eyesight does not meet the necessary requirements?
Waivers for eyesight may be available on a case-by-case basis, but they are not guaranteed. It ultimately depends on the needs of the military and the individual’s specific circumstances.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading our article about “Can You Get Drafted If You Have Bad Eyesight”. We hope it provided valuable information for those interested in military service. Remember, while bad eyesight may not necessarily disqualify someone from military service, it is important to carefully review and consider the eyesight requirements before applying. Please visit again soon for more helpful articles on related topics.