Q: May i know what is the advantage of having a lASIK comparing to PRK A: The main advantage is speed of visual recovery. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had LASIK surgery in 1997, with a "touch-up surgery one year later. I was exremely nearsighted, with a -14 in one eye and -15 in the other, so this surgery was truly a miracle for me. My vision aferwards was about 20/25, with night vision somewhat worse, but I was very happy with the outcome. Now, my vision has worsened to the point where I have to wear glasses much of the time , even to read words on a TV screen not far away. Do I need surgery again? Is this normal for someone who started out so nearsighted? I am 43 and am also having the beginnings of presbyopia. Thank you very much. A: You may have gotten a little more nearsighted, so you may need a touch-up. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I have around 1000 short-sight, I know that if I take the LASIK operation, my night-vision will be very likely to degrade. However, I can't image how will the picture I will be seen. Is it possible to give a picture about this? A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to simulate the results. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am myopic with a power of -3.0/-3.25. I also suffer from problem of retinal holes and have had cryo and laser treatment done 4 times in the past. would you recommend LASIK for me to get rid of my specs/ lenses ? A: I would recommend a thorough evaluation by a reintal specialist. As long as there are no other retinal spots that need treatment, then Lasik is fine for you. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I am nearsighted. I currently use monovision contact lens correction. When I do not wear any contacts or glasses, my close vision (for reading) is 20-20. Will the correction of my nearsightedness (about 20-175 I think) make me have to wear reading glasses? A: Yes. If you have monovision Lasik, it will be similar to wearing the contact lenses. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My wife had the lasik proceedure costom vue/mono (one eye) 3 days ago her vision continues to be double vision. the doctor says this is normal and will improve with time. is this normal? I'm a bit concerned. A: It is normal. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: What are the chances of LASIK Eye Surgery creating 20/40 vision percentage or better on both eyes, for a patient over the age of 35 with a Myopic or Hyperopic disease? A: Over 90, up to 99, depending on multiple details. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had lasik on my right eye on Jan 2002 and it was over corrected. It was enhanced on July 2002 resulted between -.5 to -.75. I plan to do a second enhancement. What are the side effects of multiple enhancements if there are any? What are the possibilities of the risks with my situation? Both times it was done with ladarvision. What technology would be used in my case. Custom Cornea ? Wavefront? Nidek? My left eye was also undercorrected. Thank you for your time! A: Any of the lasers can be used. The risks are the same each time you have an enhancement. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have seen one doctor so far about the surgery and he told me I was a perfect canidate for it except that my age is too young for him. I will be 21 next month. I read up on the age factor and all I found was that 18 and older are sufficant enough. I really would like to have my vision corrected as soon as possible but I want to make sure it's done right the first time. Do you think I should wait until I'm thirty such as was suggested by him or can I get the surgery now? Sincerely Tiffany A: You should wait until your eyes have stopped changing, which could be 18, but sometimes not until the early 20s. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi Dr. Caster I went for my eye examination and was told that I am not a suitable candidate for lasik because my corneal is too thin. (between 300 to 400 micron) What other alternatives do i have other than lasik? A: With corneas that thin, I would use contacts or glasses. Andrew Caster, MD