Q: I have had iritis in one eye. It was over a year ago when I got it, as a result my pupil while not move. I had one doctor say I couldn't have lasik in that eye and then another doctor said I could. What is your opinion? A: You can have lasik. However, if the iritis reccurs and is severe, it could cause futher problems with the eye. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My mother is thinking about having lasik done. She has had the exam and is ready to have this done. But I was wondering what is the of patients who have to have enhancements? How long after the first one? She is 62. Please let me know, thanks.Her eye Dr. said she is an excellent candidate for this surgery she is far sighted. A: Overall, around 10% of patients have enhancements, though the percentage is a little higher for farsighted patients. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: after the surgery , how long do you have to wait to do athletic activies..ie..ride bike, hike, kayak thank you A: For most activities, one week is sufficient. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hello, I have keractoconus and was informed that my shortsightedness cannot be corrected by Lasik. Is there any other procedures I can do to correct my eyesight? Regards, Robbie. A: Intacs is useful in some cases of keratoconus, and there are investigational techniques involving ultraviolet treatments. But the standard today is gas-permeable contacts or glasses. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I recently was reviewed for LASIK surgery and was told I'm a good candidate. The problem is that when the tested my preseciption it was fine (left at -2.50, right at -3.00) but when tested after dialating my eyes (left at -2.00, right at -1.50) I was told I would have to wait until they corrected to within .25. They told me it was from wearing contacts and would correct but am wondering how long it might take to correct. I realize it's only a guess and could you also tell what this condition is called? I had not used contacts for 2 weeks prior to my appt. and am still wearing the glasses but would like to know what I can expect. Thank You A: I would wait two more weeks and then return. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 50 years old, and had bilateral lasik in April 1998. I was quite myopic in both eyes; -9.0D in my left eye along with about -1.5D astigmatism and -10.0D in my right eye also about -1.5D astigmatism. I had an enhancement procedure in November of 1998. In my left eye, I had some irregular astigmatism from the initial procedure and ever since then have had reduced contrast in that eye. It has been quite annoying to have what almost feels like a haze come over my left eye as light levels are reduced. both eyes also had quite a lot of starburst and irregular halos. The starbursts went away after about 6 months or so, but the haloes have persisted. If memory serves me right, the laser used was a Technolas 116. Since then, I had several years where I almost did not need glasses at all, but in the last year or so, my nearsightedness has progressed to the point where I have to wear glasses contiuously. From what I have seen described, it seems to me that custom lasik might solve the contrast problem I have in my left eye. My thoughts are that I would have my left eye slightly overcorrected for distance vision and leave my right eye as it is. With my right eye I can read easily, and it can be corrected to 20/25. I would anticipate that during the day I could easily get by with no glasses, and would probably want to use glasses for driving at night. What do you think? A: Your idea to have monovision -- one eye for far, one for near -- is a good one. This could be accomplished with an enhancement. However, at this time in 2005, I do not recommend custom lasik for enhancements. The software has not been designed for this purpose, and in my opinion the results for enhancements with custom are more variable. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: dr. caster, here is just a general question: i just returned from an optomologist or optometrist with the first eye-exam of my life ¿ results = slight astigmatism & some near-sightedness (if i understood correctly): right +.75 ¿1.25 x 100 left +.50 ¿ 1.25 x 90 both / m + 1.50 (i have only a basic clue what these numbers mean) i was told that lasik would not be usefull to me ... with my astigmatism. is this correct? please advise. thank you, rupen A: Your main problem is the presbyopia, which lasik cannot correct. Lasik could correct your distance vision, but with your prescription I doubt that your distance vision is much a problem, so lasik is probably not needed. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am a fellow southern californian who now lives in Kauai, mostly in part to surfing. How long will I need to stay out of the water(surfing wise) considering the nature of the sport (lots of strong water contact with the eye)? A: There is no definite answer. I tell my patients to be careful for a month with surfing. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 15 years old and I have coloboma and cataracts in both eyes. I also have a type of fold in my retina, lazy eye, and am myopic. I would like to know if there are sugery options that could help me. I am not asking for 20/20 vision but my optometerist has told me I'm legally blind with my left eye and my vision in my right eye with glasses couldn't pass the driving test. But I feel that I am not that hopeless. A: If your cataracts are significant then cataract surgery may help. I would suggest seeing an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) for another opinion. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Thank you for your help. I am wondering; if my vision is not 20/20 after the surgery, will contacts still be an option for me? A: Yes. Or you could probably have an enhancement laser procedure. Andrew Caster, MD