Q: Wheather LASIK (refractive error correction) affect seterophonic vision? A: Lasik does not affect the ability to see stereoscopically. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I was diagnosed as having myopia at the age of 8 or 9, and have worn glasses and contacts lenses ever since. Now, at my mid-40's I have presbiopia too. Will LASIK surgery work for me? Will it correct my nearsightedness, my presbyopia, or both? A: Lasik can correct nearsightedness, but not presbyopia. You can have both eyes adjusted for good distance vision, or you can choose monovision -- one eye for far, one for near. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have a lazy eye, and I'm only 14. Does this mean I have to wait another 4 years or so before I can think about getting it corrected? A: On the contrary, lazy eyes need to be treated as soon as possible. The treatment involves patching of the good eye. If the eyes are not straight, surgery to straighten the eyes can be done at any time. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: COULD YOU PLEASE SEND ME AN ADRESS OR PHONE # OF A SEVERE MYOPIA SPECIALIST? THANK YOU. A: There are many doctors who specialize in treating sever myopia. Currently the treatments are laser vision correction and phakic implants. You should try to find one through the internet or other means. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My greatest concern regarding post-surgery is "halo effect". Will using the Interlase reduce the likelyhood and or risk of having this complication/effect? Thanks. I am scheduled for surgery this Thursday, July 14th. A: IntraLase will not have any impact on halos. Wavefront guided treatments, and large diameter treatments, are the most effect techniques to decrease halos. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I HAVE A FRIEND IN MEXICO WHO HAS A SEVERE MYOPIA. SHE`S BEEN TOLD THAT SHE HAS NO CURE. I WONDER IF YOU COULD GIVE HER ANY HOPE. A: There are several procedures for people with severe myopia. she needs to see a specialist who is up on the newest techniques. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: so that i can make an informed decision what is the difference between a standard & a delux lasik procedure? thanks A: Custom (also known as wafefront-guided) Lasik treats the eye with a more complicated pattern that is custom determined for each patient. Both use the same laser and other equipment. There is a lot of information on the web about this. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My doctor has recommended PRK surgery - I am just wondering if anyone has ever gone blind from this surgery. I guess I'm kind of scared. A: I am not aware of any cases of blindness. It is normal to be afraid; you must feel comfortable enough, though, before you go through the procedure. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: my doctor has like 2 procedure he does, i didn't realize there are much options out there. he does lasik / intacs. how do i choose what will be best. im soo scare if anything were to go wrong, can i still see, if the worse does happen? from reading the post im interested in something that does not require minimum cutting and also correctin my stigmatism. please advise A: Lasik is much more popular and in general better than Intacs. Intacs is reversible, however, if you are not satisfied, while Lasik can be enhanced but not reversed. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 47 f and my prescription has remained -250 R-L since 20's. I was just getting ready to do Lasik when I developed a macular pucker in the R eye. My correction remains the same but I have that weird distortion. Can I still do Lasik for my nearsightedness or will it cause further problem. A: The Lasik will not improve the distortions from the macular pucker. It should not affect it. Andrew Caster, MD