Q: After the lasik surgery, how many years will you be able to see without glasses A: For most people, the results are permanent. A small number, we estimate around 5%, will have changes in their distance vision over time and will require a touch-up at some point in the future. And of course, unless you get monovision, you will need reading glass "cheaters" when you get over 45-50. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: Does having LASIK mean you will have a detached retina? A: No, detached retina is a serious problem in which the retina, which is the "film" in the back of the eye that measures the light, is no longer attached to the back of the eye. It requires immediate surgery. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: Dear Dr. Caster, I had LASIK on 1/20/06. After two days of absolutely amazing vision, I developed double-vision in my left eye. When I asked my LASIK doctor about it, he told me he'd never encountered that problem before and even implied that I was making it up. He said my corneal flap was healing perfectly and that, whatever the problem was, he was certain this would go away. What else could possibly cause this problem if the corneal flap is healing "perfectly"? My opthamologist says this double-vision is normal. I'm confused and scared. If you were me, what would you do? Thank you, Maria A: I would recommend that you get a second opinion in person from a Lasik specialist. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: I have a high degree of astigmatism and must wear rigid contacts. I was unable to get a clear answer on this website, my question is, is there a surgical procedure to correct severe astigmatism now or in the near future? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for you time. A: Laser vision correction -- Lasik or PRK -- works for most high degrees of astigmatism. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: I am turning 50 this year. I am nearsighted and have been wearing glasses for thirty years. I no longer wear contact lenses because they irritate my eyes and because I needed reading glasses to read when I wore them. I generally just read now with my glasses off. Am I a candidate for custom view lasik? Assuming good results, how long can I expect the results to last? A: Since you are 50, you have presbyopia, the condition of "middle aged eyes" in which you have trouble seeing up close when your eyes are adjusted for distance. So if you have Lasik, you will need to use "cheater" glasses for up-close work, such as reading, or you will need to get monovision. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q:  Hello Dr, Caster, I am a 50 yr old female, white, non smoker, active with large pupils. My distance prescription is OD -1.00 OS -1.25 (reading +2.00add). I can get by without glasses but things are much sharper with them. I am thinking about the Custom View Wavefront procedure to correct distance. I am concerned about the halos and stars at night that I hear about. I would hate to be left with double vision, gritty feeling eyes etc. Do you think I am a good prospect for this surgery? Are there any additional questions I should ask? I am in Charlotte NC and am considering Dr. Tate at The Laser Center or Dr. Christenbury at Christ. Eye Center. Have you heard of either of them? Thanking you in advance for your response. Sydney A: Most people have glare/halos even without the surgery, so our concern is in not increasing the glare/halos. With a lower correction such as you have, and with the custom wavefront treatment, the odds of significantly increasing your glare/halos is very low. In fact, the odds of decreasing your existing glare/halos are higher than the odds of increasing your existing glare/halos. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: I just had cataract surgery. I also have a lazy eye that will need it eventually. I have blurry vision right now, but doc says glasses should clear that up. Is there a possibility that I could eventually have lasik on both eyes? I am a 61 year old female and previously could see OK distance, but have had to wear glasses to read and do close up things. I think I may have to have glasses for both now - as the distance is not good right now or the near vision either. (its only been since Jan 17). Cant stand the thought of always having to switch glasses for distance and close! A: You can have the eyes adjusted for distance, or have one eye for distance and one for near. Lasik is possible after cataract surgery. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: Hi. My department has very old computer monitors, 8 years old at least. I am convinced my monitor is contributing to blurred vision. Do you have any studies or references I could use to convince my boss to buy us new and improved monitors? Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks A: Looking at an old monitor can certainly cause eye strain. It does not cause permanently blurry vision, however. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: Wondering the best way to go about finding a good doctor for lasik, is there any kind of independant rating system one can look at. What things should I look for. Thanks A: The only independent rating system that I am aware of is the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance (USAeyes.org). Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com

Q: I am looking into two surgeons in Boise. The equipment available is the Visx system or the new Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix (Dr. Hollingshead). I did not see anything on the web about the Zyoptix. They claim that the laser provides the widest possible treatment area of 9 mm. Also it is not a broad beam but a pulsating light that is suppose to provide smoother precision. Have you heard about this equipment and does it stand up to the claims noted above? I have very large dialated pupils 6.5 mm and 7. mm. I appreciate your help. Thanks, Marissa A: It is very difficult to evaluate the merits of the different equipment types. Each has advantages and disadvantages. My personal favorite at this time is the Alcon, followed by the Visx. Andrew Caster, MD www.CasterVision.com