Q: I want to find out what type of operations are available now with todays technology for a 7year old boy with congenital glaucoma and about loosing vision on the right eye A: There are many excellent operations available. You need to see a glaucoma specialist. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi, my daughter has been wearing glasses for 7 months now,and she doesn't like them at all. So I was considering the lasik surgery for her, but I need to know if there's a starting age for the surgery? A: Usually 18 is the youngest age. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly HIlls, CA

Q: Sir, How long does it take the eye to return to its normal shape once contacts are removed? I am getting the Lasek surgery in 2 weeks and they told me I needed my contacts out for 2 weeks prior. I only had them out for about 3 days prior and did not disclose that information because I would have lost my slot to get the surgery. Your response would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot Sir. Very Respectfully Marc Vielledent A: For soft lenses, 10-14 days. For gas permeable, 6-8 weeks minimum. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I have a astigmatism problem with one or both eyes, would I be able to successfully receive lasik sugery? A: Lasik can correct astigmatism. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I have been told my corneas are too thin to do lasik and the Verisyse procedure may be right for me. Is the Verisyse the only procedure I may be able to have or would the custom lasik with the wavefront(?) guidance be an option for me? A: Custom lasik requires even more cornea, so it probably would not be an option. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I am 44 years old with myopia 700 - 800 degree and astimatism 100 - 200 for both eyes. I have had my eyes assessed and doctor said I am a good condidate for LASIK sugery. He is not going to use wavefront-guided LASIK on me because wavefront-guided LASIK is more suitbale for younger age around 20 plus and he also said the latest technology had yet to be proven it was the best. I am confused and do not understand why many patients were then performed surgery using wavefront-guided LASIK. May I have your opinion? I also heard that doctors would normally give patients double vision after sugery, i.e. to under-correct one eye and over-correct the other eye so that patients can see cleary both from far and near. Is it true? I would appriecate very much if you could advise. Thank you. A: Each doctor has his or her own guidelines about whether to use wavefront or not. Also, many people your age will choose to have one eye for near, one for far, but many others want both for far. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: HELLO. I'VE BEEN TO 2 LASIK CONSULTATIONS. ONE PLACE RECOMMENDED THAT I WAS ELGIBLE FOR PRK AND NOT LASIK BECAUSE MY CORNEA IS TOO THIN. THE OTHER PLACE ALSO SAID MY CORNEA IS THIN BUT I WOULD BE ELGIBLE FOR LASIK FOR $4500 WITH LIFETIME TOUCHUPS. THEY SAY THE PRK IS MORE PAINFUL W/LONGER RECOVERY, RIGHT? THAT IS WHY I'D RATHER GO WITH LASIK. BUT IS THE $4500 A LITTLE TOO STEEP IN PRICE EVEN W/THE LIFETIME TOUCH UPS. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND I DO? SHOULD I KEEP SEARCHING FOR DIFFERENT PLACES? BECAUSE WHAT I REALLY WANT IS THE LASIK WITH A PRICE THAT'S RIGHT AND POSSIBLY LIFETIME TOUCHUPS (SINCE I AM ONLY 24YEARS OLD AND I KNOW MY EYESIGHT WILL STILL CHANGE). I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANKS. CHERYL A: First of all, price should be the least of all your considerations when choosing a Lasik doctor. This is your vision, and you will use it every waking moment. I would recommend finding out about the reputations of the Lasik doctors, and get one or more opinions. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I had wave front lasik surgery about 1 year ago. my vision has greatly improved from -10 to a -1.75. I was suppose to have a second procedure performed to further correct, but my surgeon warned me about possibility of unstabilizing the eye. He explained to me about the region behind the cornea has slight deformation and he is not certain if it was the result of the surgery. If he goes ahead with another procedure he is afraid it can unstabilise this region. I consulted a second surgeon who told me he did not see a problem with the repeat procedure. He mentioned there was plenty of cornea thichkness & curvature to play with. I am confronted to make a decision by october 18th. My surgeon cannot quantify the risk factor of creating this unstability, which he explains can happen not right away but later on. Has anyone had experience with this & do you have any advice?? A: First of all, there is no medical deadline that happens on zOct 18. This is a medical decision, and that must outweigh all other factors. Do not do anything until the issues are clearly delineated. Consider obtaining a third opinion. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: How do i know im getting what i'm paying for ? What if complacations arise? Is that usually xtra? A: Typically, the fee involves the cost of dealing with complications afterwards, though many cutrate places will bill you extra. I would avoid those places. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am considering Lasik surgery. The doctor has given a mild to moderate recommendation for custom lasik as I have "thinnish" corneas.What information should I be looking for to help me make this decision? Given the procedure is twice as expensive as the regular lasik I obviously want to know if it's worth the extra cost. Thank you so much! A: There are a lot of factors, which I cannot go into here. Custom makes a subtle difference. If the money is critical, then most people can be satisfied without the wavefront custom treatment. Andrew Caster, MD