Q: Hi, I am considering verisyse eye surgery since my vision is about -10.00. Can you tell me anything with regard to the safefy of this procedure compared to lasik. Also, is there discomfort during and after the procedure. Thanks, William A: The safety profile is different for Verisyse than for laser vision correction. Whereas most of the problems with laser vision correction would occur during or shortly after the procedure, the Verisyse patient might experience cataracts or problems with the endothelium several years later. These percentages, however, are very small. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: i am interested in LASIK but i am at risk for retinal detatchment. i am 21. would i be a good candidate? thanks A: If you are at risk for retinal detachment, then you should have regular retinal exams. Lasik does not increase or decrease your risk for retinal detachment. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I'm 50 and have been told I have what may cause macular degeneration. Is it worth my while to get Lasik surgery done if my eyes are going bad? A: Macular degeneration can be very mild, or unfortunately severe. If you have mild macular degeneration then Lasik might be a good idea, but if it is severe then I would not recommend the procedure. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Is it common to still have blurred vision after 13 days post op of the Lasik surgery? A: Blurry vision can last for up to three months. If it persists after that, then an enhancement may be needed. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have dry eye condition and pterygium. Should I get the pterygium removed prior to having Wavefront Lasik done? Please advise. A: It depends on how severe the pterygium is. That will have to be evaluated by the surgeon. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: How long will I feel dry eyes after lasik surgery? It's been 3 weeks now since I received treatment and still buying drops. A: It will often last up to three months --- someitimes more, sometimes less. Try flaxssed oil 3 grams orally per day, which works great. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My son is myopic,and the power of his glasses is-18 D.Is he eligible for Lasik/PRK .Kindly give an answer. A: No, his prescription is too high. I would recommend that you look into the phakic IOLs, such as Visian or Verisyze. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had exam for custom lasik and I was told that I am a candidate for the procedure. But I am still concerned about my large pupils(8.30mm, 8.25mm) combined with high prescription(-9.5D, -9.75D). Should I take the surgery or not? A: People with large pupils and high prescription are more at risk for glare or halos after the procedure. Most people with this combination do not get significant glare or halos, but it is a possibility, so you need to think about that. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have a son who is 12 yrs old and has been wearing glasses for 2 1/2 yrs. Is there a age limit to perform Lasik surgery? A: You must wait until the eyes stop changing for distance, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 24. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I am 50 years old. I am very nearsighted (-13). I have been wearing Rigid Gas contacts for 25 years. I went to see 2 surgeons here in Orange County. I wasn't given an option for Lasik or Lasek or CustomLasik surgery. One suggested I do a PHAKIC IOL procedure (he said my cornea is healthy and thick enough) and the other suggested Intacs+ASA (my cornea is not thick enough). I am confused. I heard Lasek or CustomLasik can fix high degree of nearsightedness too. Is that true? To what degree can Lasik, Lasek or Customlasik correct? Thank you for your time. A: Your degree of nearsightedness is higher than is currently recommended for Lasik, Lasek, or CustomLasik. Phakic IOL is the procedure of choice. There is currently one model available (the Verisyze) and another (the Visian) should be available soon. Andrew Caster, MD