PRK or LASIK for police and pilots? The real-world guide

If you expect knocks, grit, close-quarters physical arrests, or frequent night ops, PRK usually makes more sense. No flap to worry about, and it lines up well with roles that see impact or unusual working environments. If your duties are lower-risk and you need a fast, clean return to duty, LASIK can work well.

At Re:Vision in Auckland, our surgeons do laser eye surgery every day, and we’ve supported many police recruits, active duty officers , military personnel, and pilots through vision correction.

In this guide, we provide a short explanation of the LASIK and PRK procedures. We cover what the NZ Police and Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ) require, and how each laser eye surgery option fits real-world work.

A quick overview of PRK surgery and LASIK surgery

PRK is refractive surgery on the surface of the cornea. We numb the eye, place a small lid holder, gently remove the surface skin cells, and then reshape the corneal tissue with a computer-guided excimer laser. A soft, clear bandage contact lens goes on while the surface heals. Recovery takes a little longer up front, but the results are very stable and deliver significantly improved vision once healed.

LASIK is a two-stage procedure and treats a deeper corneal layer. It involves creating a very thin corneal flap with a femtosecond laser, lifting it, reshaping with an excimer laser, and then laying the flap back down to seal. Many people see clearly within 24–48 hours and return to desk duties fast, with comparable long-term outcomes to PRK.

What police and flight standards usually require in New Zealand

Here’s what the NZ Police and the CAA NZ look for before they clear you to start or return to duty:

NZ Police

Police accept laser eye surgery (including PRK and LASIK) if you meet their eyesight standard and you have no residual side-effects. At the final medical, you’ll have additional tests with one of our team or your local police-approved optometrist. 

The current standard says your uncorrected binocular vision must be 6/6, your better eye uncorrected 6/6, and your worse eye uncorrected no worse than 6/24. Colour vision must be normal. After you have surgery, you’ll need a Level 2 vision assessment with us or your optometrist to confirm you have achieved that level of vision.

Pilots (Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand)

The CAA NZ clears pilots after laser eye surgery once your vision is stable, you meet Part 67 medical standards, and it’s confirmed there are no significant issues with glare/halos or corneal haze. Expect a stand-down period from flying until stability is documented. For routine laser vision correction, this period is usually at least six weeks, but in some cases 12 weeks. There will be examinations of the eyes at 6 and 12 week points by a CAA-credentialed optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

For more complex prescriptions and in some other cases, the CAA may require scheduled 'special eye reports' at set intervals after you return to flying. Your AME confirms timing and signs you back on.

What gives pilots and police the most benefit?

For hands-on police work and for pilots who spend long hours in dry air, the safest bet is the option that keeps your eyes steady under stress. PRK surgery removes the need for a flap. So, in the unlikely event of an injury in the recovery period, there’s less risk that the injury could cause a problem. 

LASIK eye surgery trades that flap for speed. LASIK recovery is usually quick, so you can plan a faster return to desk duties or ground training once you’re cleared. PRK recovery takes longer up front, but once both settle, day-to-day clarity sits in the same place for most people. Both procedures have the same stand-down period from flying. 

Things to watch out for

Your job adds a few moving parts. Be sure to plan for them so your vision correction surgery healing process fits your roster, not the other way around.

• Recovery time vs. duty schedule: PRK surgery needs more days off and a slower ramp-up. Lock in dates that don’t clash with academy training, firearms qualifications, sims, or check rides. LASIK surgery settles quicker, but you still need to wait for written clearance before driving, flying, or working nights.
• Glare and night halos: Bright lights can look halo-y or a bit smeared at first, which makes night shifts and night flying harder. Ease back into nights once glare tests look good and wait until you feel confident under real streetlights or runway lights.
• Employer and regulator re-clearance: We can help with your operation report, your corneal topography/tomography scans (the corneal 'maps'), and the paperwork for the NZ Police or CAA. We are well-versed in liaising with the police medical team and aeromedical examiners. 

Why many prefer PRK in practice for police and pilots

PRK removes any possible concern that trauma could affect early recovery. This helps in training rooms, on the range, and on front-line duty where grit and elbows frequently show up. It also suits cockpits and long sectors where dry air and constant scanning of instruments can make eyes feel itchy. PRK patients accept slower early days for a durable result that meets operational standards once it settles.

LASIK patients often pick speed because they want clear sight for screens and briefings within days. They manage the small risk of trauma carefully while it heals, then move to normal duty after clearance. Both paths are modern laser surgeries that offer excellent long-term clarity. We can guide you as to what procedure suits your eyes and your role.

Laser eye surgery in Auckland

In short, if your work brings impact, night ops, or dusty conditions, lean towards PRK. If your work is lower risk and you need a fast return, LASIK may be the better fit. Check your employer or regulator’s rules first, then book an assessment.

At Re:Vision, our experienced team does all kinds of laser vision correction for common refractive errors. We offer both PRK and LASIK, among other vision correction procedures, like ICL surgery and cataract surgery.

We map your eyes, look at your roster, and talk through the PRK and LASIK cost so nothing catches you out. You’ll sit down with one of our reputable eye doctors who understands police and aviation work. You'll receive clear advice about your vision problems, and learn about the laser technology we use.

If you're ready to take the first step, book a free assessment and discuss your operational role and duty roster with us. You’ll leave with a procedure plan and a timeline that fits your job!