Q: I recently went to a Lasik consultation, and the doctor only required that I stop wearing soft contact lenses for only three days. Other doctors have told me that I don't have to stop wearing my contacts at all. However, when I did some research, all articles are telling me to stop wearing contacts for at two weeks before the consultation. What is the right answer? And how many days do your corneas need to heal without contacts. Thank you very much. A: Before you have your final measurements, you need to be out of the contacts for an appropriate amount of time in order to obtain the most proper measurements. The exact amount of time is debated. I like to leave normal daily wear soft lenses out for ten days, with extended wear or toric out for two weeks. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I am a 23 years old male. I have -17 no. of my right eye sight and plano for the left. Two years back it was -13. Now my question is that is there any treatment available to correct the eye sight? Any possible lasik operation ? A: Lasik is not an option, but the Implantable Contact Lens, also known as Phakic Intra-ocular Implant, is a distinct possibility. You want to wait until the eye has stopped changing, if possible. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervisin.com

Q: I have this eye problem where I have began to develop brown pigments in the white of my eye. They have continued to grow over time and I have not been able to find a diagnosis for this type of problem online. Do you have any suggestions on what it might be caused by and what the cures may be to get rid of it? If I can have your email I can attach a picture of it so you can see it to further analyze it. Thanks A: It would be best for you to see an eye doctor in person. Andrew Caster, MD www.catervision.com

Q: If you can do corrective eye surgery, can you put in a permanent color lense. A: We cannot change the eye color. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I am 48 and considering lasik. I was told by a doctor that I would be a good candidate but right afterwords I would then need reading glasses. My neice who is an assistant in a lasik center said that I could get lasik done on both eyes then wear reading glasses for about a year, then get correction for reading and be 100. My opticion said the only thing that she could be talking about is monovision and if that is what I want I should just get one eye done in the first place. What is your opinion? Chris A: Monovision is the only way for someone over 45 - 50 to have both distance and near vision. I would get monovision the first time, rather than in a two step process. Of course, some people do not want or like monovision, so you must test it first with glasses or contacts. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Hi my name is Cliff. I am 17 years old and I have been having eye floaters and "flashes" (looks like moving glitter) since 12. My question is whether the flashes that I see can lead to a posterior retinal detachment and if it can cause permanent blindness. If so, do you know what percent? Hope hearing from you as soon as possible. Thanks A: This may be a sign of a posterior vitreous detachment, which is very diffeent than a retinal detachment. In around 1 of cases, it may lead to a retinal hole or detachment, so it is a good idea to have an eye doctor examine you. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q:  Hi, I am 35 and just had my eyes examined for lasik by two different doctors. One doctor recommended All-laser Lasik and the other PRK. The one that recommended PRK stated that because my corneas were on the thin side (490 and 500) and because of a unsymetrical astigmatism that preserving a thicker cornea would be best and would help reduce any further regression. The doctor who recommended Lasik said because my precription was low at -3.5 and -2.75 that PRK was not necessary but could be done if I insisted. Could you please advise as to what procedure you would recommend based on the above info. Thanks in advance. A: There is no consensus in the laser community about which treatment is best in individual situations such as yours. PRK is the more conservative, possibly safer route, but may or may not be indicated in your case. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Hello Doctor, I used to live in San Diego a big city but now I am in Ohio. My question is how can I find an experienced doctor to do my Laser surgery and since this is a small town with few jobs, would I be better off going to a big town to search for a doctor? The reason being more experience. I live in Youngstown, Ohio. Thank you, Richard...... A: Since you will be using your eyes for the rest of your life, you will want to find a very good Lasik doctor, wherever you have to go. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: What does no worse than 20/60 binocular mean? Thank you. A: With both eyes together, a person with 20/60 vision can see the size 60 letters at 20 feet. The size 60 letters are three times taller than the size 20 letters that a person with 20/20 can see. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I am reading more ads advertising Advanced Surface LASIK with the Allegretto Wave and NO incision or corneal flap. Isn't this just a fancy name for PRK, where they ablate the surface of the cornea, destroying the epithelial layer, which I have read in the past does NOT heal or grow back? What difference (if any) is there between PRK and No incision Advanced Surface LASIK with the Allegretto Wave? A: No, incision Advanced Surface Lasik is the same as PRK. It can be performed with the Allegretto or any other laser, such as Visx, Bausch and Lomb, or Alcon. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervisin.com