LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction surgery that has improved the vision of millions of individuals worldwide. CDS (Combined Defense Services) is an exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who aspire to enter the Indian Defense Forces.
So let us have a look at whether LASIK is permitted in the CDS and the benefits of LASIK for people who want to enter the Indian Defense Forces.
An insight into CDS examination
CDS, also called the Combined Defense Services examination, is conducted twice a year. The whole responsibility of conducting this exam is on UPSC’ Union Public Service Commission as they are responsible for recruiting all candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Officers Training Academy, and Indian Naval Academy. The UPSC conducts the CDS exam two times a year, once in February and the next in September.
People who want to serve their nation by being a part of the defence services can take advantage of this examination by applying for the CDS examination. Before applying for this examination, the candidate should ensure they are eligible by completing all the requirements needed for the examination and set up by the commission.
The selection of a candidate highly depends on the written examination, which is followed by an interview. The main aim of the interview is to check the candidate’s intelligence and take a small test of their personality.
The concept of Lasik Surgery
Lasik surgery is the term used for the treatment of the eye in which surgery is performed on the eye with the help which helps with correction. This type of surgery is used for patients with refractive errors like Astigmatism, Myopia, Farsightedness, and Hypermetropia.
The surgery is generally performed by an ophthalmologist who takes the help of a laser which can provide a proper shape to the cornea and enhance the eye’s optical power. This surgery is a great alternative to spectacles and contact lenses.
Suppose you are someone who has a thin cornea and high myopia. In that case, you must first consult with your doctor before going for lasik surgery to check your eligibility for lasik surgery. NICE (National Institute for Health and clinical excellence), in the year of 2006, collected all of the evidence, and they proved the safety standards of lasik surgery. According to them, the option of lasik surgery to correct the refractive errors is beneficial and safe.
Is LASIK permitted in CDS?
Many aspirants of the CDS examination have a question about the criteria for the candidates who have undergone the lasik surgery. They always wonder whether they are eligible for the CDS after the lasik surgery.
LASIK is permitted in CDS, but certain criteria must be fulfilled. Candidates with lasik surgery are allowed in the Indian Armed Forces, so there is no need to worry. The Indian Defense Forces have specific medical standards that candidates must fulfil to be eligible for recruitment. Candidates who have had LASIK or another type of vision correction surgery are eligible for recruitment if they satisfy the following criteria:
- The surgery must have been done by a qualified ophthalmologist registered with the state or country’s medical council.
- The candidate’s vision must be stable after the operation, and there should be no complications or side effects.
- A minimal visual acuity of 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye is required.
- The candidate’s refractive error should be steady, with no more than 2.5 diopters of myopia or hypermetropia and 1.5 diopters of astigmatism.
- The candidate should be free of keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease in which the cornea thins and bulges outwards.
It is essential to note that the Medical Board of the Indian Defense Forces decides on a candidate’s eligibility for who has received LASIK surgery.
Additional points for candidates applying for CDS examination after a Lasik surgery
Even though a patient, i.e. is eligible for CDS examination after a lasik surgery, there are still some other things they must take care of. First of all, you have all the documentation from your surgery.
If someone goes through lasik surgery, they will receive operative notes or a certificate from their medical centre specifying their surgery date and what kind of surgery they have gone through. It is important for the candidate that they have this certificate. Another thing they need to take care of is maintaining their body’s overall health before the examination and taking special care of their eyes.
LASIK advantages for CDS candidates
- Improved Vision
LASIK can improve vision and decrease reliance on glasses or contact lenses, which is advantageous for candidates interested in joining the Indian Defense Forces. LASIK can enhance visual performance in activities like shooting and flying, which are important skills for candidates who want to enter the Indian Defense Forces.
- Rapid Recovery
LASIK has a short recovery period, with most individuals returning to normal activities within a few days after the surgery.
- High Success Rate
LASIK has a high success rate, with most patients obtaining 20/20 vision or better following the procedure.
- Cost-Effective
Because it eliminates the need for ongoing expenses connected with glasses and contact lenses, LASIK can be a cost-effective option for candidates seeking to improve their vision.
Considerations before a Lasik surgery
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK has some factors that candidates should be aware of. These are some examples of side effects that the patient may face after the lasik surgery, and it is completely okay as most of the patients also face these symptoms after they are normal.
LASIK can cause temporary eye dryness, which can be treated with artificial tears or other methods.
Overcorrection or Undercorrection
LASIK may sometimes result in overcorrection or undercorrection, necessitating additional treatment.
Problems with night vision
Some individuals may experience halos or glare around lights at night, but this is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks.
Corneal flap complications
In rare instances, complications such as flap dislocation or infection may occur during the corneal flap creation during LASIK surgery.
LASIK is permitted in CDS if candidates fulfil certain criteria and have no complications or side effects from the procedure. Candidates who desire to undergo LASIK can reap numerous benefits.
