Warfighter Laser Surgery Center - a site for sore eyes Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Col. Gary Walker 60th Surgical Operations Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- We are privileged to be members of the greatest air and space force in the history of mankind. Our Air Force has leveraged this nation's technological strengths to give us an overwhelming advantage over any potential enemy. It is truly awe inspiring to witness the performance of our newest generation of weapons - capable of being delivered precisely on target at any time, at any place on the globe, and under any conditions of weather or environmental challenge. Despite these dazzling capabilities, commanders would undoubtedly agree that the most potent weapon in our Air Force inventory has been - and always will be - the individual Airman. Our foremost mission at David Grant USAF Medical Center is to support that Airman, whether deployed or in garrison. As an organization that also prides itself on utilizing the latest advances in technology, we have some pretty interesting "toys" of our own. The eyes are arguably the most important sensor of today's modern Airman. However, a fairly large number of our troops require the use of glasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly. Having to use these devices in various extremes of temperature, or in dusty, windy or rainy conditions on the modern battlefield can be problematic. Imagine having your glass inserts fog up inside a gas mask, and being unable to see well enough to fight or survive in lethal surroundings. To address this deficiency, the Air Force Medical Service established five sites for laser corneal refractive surgery in 2002. Like the other four locations, DGMC's own Warfighter Laser Surgery Center functions for the express purpose of enhancing the Air Force's readiness platform by yielding good vision for members, without having to rely on their glasses. The VISX Star S4 laser, which has the capability of performing CustomVue treatments, is our laser of choice. CustomVue treatments provide an even more customized laser pattern to correct for an individual's unique corneal irregularities that contribute to his/her vision. To achieve correction of vision, the laser reshapes the cornea of the eye, which is the clear area in front of the pupil. Two different techniques are used to prepare the cornea. In PRK, the surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) is removed before proceeding with the laser treatment. A protective soft contact lens is applied after the laser treatment and left in place several days for comfort, while the epithelium heals. In LASIK, the epithelium is left intact. A flap (a layer of tissue hinged like a trap door) is made through the outer layer of the cornea, followed by application of the laser to the exposed surface. The flap is then replaced. The healing rate, post-operative discomfort level, and the risks associated with each procedure (remember, every medical procedure has risks) are partially related to these differences in technique. Corneal refractive surgery at DGMC is currently limited to active duty members. Evaluation for this procedure starts with an optometry assessment. Not everyone is a candidate for refractive surgery, as there are many conditions affecting vision that are not correctable by the laser. Active duty members must also have their commander's approval before undergoing the treatment, since the member will be placed on convalescent leave for one week, and is not deployable from one to four months following treatment. The results of our refractive surgery team have been nothing short of astonishing, and the benefits should last a lifetime. If you have an interest in learning more, visit the laser center's website at https://kx.afms.mil/travis_lrc, or e-mail us at 60msgs.sgcxe. laser.center@travis.af.mil.