Brian Boxer Wachler, MD

I developed a procedure that is a modification of procedure performed over 30 years.  This procedure is called I-BRITE Eye whitening.  You can see several before and after pictures if you Google Eye Whitening. Not everyone is a candidate, it depends on the cause of the red eyes and overall health.

Given your prescription and your age, it is best you probably wait until 22-25 to make sure your vision is stable.  The Visian ICL is a great option for high prescriptions. 

It would be advised to have the pachymetry repeated.  Discuss with your surgeon Visian ICL or PRK if your cornea is 498 thickness.  Also, given your age discuss with your surgeon if you might consider evauluating stability in 6 months to 1 year prior to considering surgery.

Yes, it is possible that the Visx laser may not be advised if your corneas are thin; the Visx laser removes a little more tissue; Visian ICL might be a better option; this is a small permanent lens placed inside the eye

You may be a candidate for PRK, it depends on some other factors such as prescription, tear film, and cornea health.  Given you are in the Army, PRK tends to be a better option.  In my office, when individuals in the military seek vision correction, typically we perform PRK.  The recovery period is longer for PRK versus LASIK, however the safety profile can be considered safer since their is no flap.  It seems the paperwork for clearance with the military prefers PRK in many cases.  Another option may be the Visian ICL lens.  This is an excellent option and can provide very good vision with patients who are between -3.00 and -16.