Q: Will Lasik surgery interfere with having cataract surgery (if needed) at a later date? A: No. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, California www.castervision.com

Q: I have 6.50 diopetries (Miopia) in both eyes. I am used to wear contact lenses, do you thinkcolored contact lenses are suitable for me? Thank you for your opinion A: Yes, they should be fine. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I had lasik a week ago all is going well so far. But I've been told that there is DKL going on in my right eye. I have another follow up this Tuesday to be rechecked. My pre-op doctor just said it's unusual swelling and that's it. I've tried to look it up but not much on the web about it. I found a research site and there it says complications. Could you explain to me what DKL is. Thank you in advance, Marlene A: DLK (diffuse lamellar keratitis) is an inflammation after Lasik under the flap. It can be due to many things. It is treated with steroid drops, and usually resoves without further effect. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly Hills, California www.castervision.com

Q: I m considering of LASIK surgery, however, I m applying for a post in an airline company and it prefer candidates not having LASIK. I would like to know is there any eye examination that can confirm whether I have received LASIK surgery e.g. any scar, features, etc. during the examination ? A: Yes, a topography test wil reveal that a person has had refractive surgery of any type. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: My daughter had RK in the mid 90's and Lasik in 1999. She is having focusing problems now. Her doctor told her there was nothing to be done but try hard contacts. Will this progress to blindness? She is having great difficulty now and probably won't pass her next drivers license exam. Margaret H. A: No, this probably will go on to blindness. It just may be that there is no further surgery to help, and hard contacts may give the best vision. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Dr. Caster, I am myopic with -7D in my right & -7.5D in my left eye. My left eye also has -0.5 Cyl & 5 Ax. I am 31, and have been wearing soft/disposable contact lenses for the past 12 years. I went for pre-Lasik consultation and the report is as follows: Left Eye K1: 44D, K2: 44.5D Pachy. 556Abl.: 156(128) Pupil dia: 6mm Cor. Dia: 10.5mm IOP: 17mmHg Right Eye K1: 44.5D, K2: 44D Pachy. 558Abl.: 158(129) Pupil dia: 5.5mm Cor. Dia: 11mm IOP: 15mmHg Ant. Segment & Fundus were normal for both eyes. Can you explain what these readings mean, and whether I will be a good candidate for LASIK? Any special considerations/instructions? Thanks! Anand. A: All of this looks normal. These numbers all indicate that you are a good candidate. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I have decided to have the LASIK surgery. I am leaning toward having the flap created with IntraLase Laser instead of the mechanical Keratome. I have small sensitive/light sensitive eyes with thick corneas (measured 630). Tried to wear contacts but to difficult putting them in and had too much eye discomfort. Cornea specialist said I should not have any problem with having the surgery. He advised both procedures work well. I have been told that there is more pressure exerted on the eye for a shorter time with the mechanical keratome where as there is less pressure but a longer amount of time with the laser. I am under the impression that the laser consistently makes a smoother more uniform flap than the mechanical keratome. I am also under the impression that the laser is safer, has a higher success rate, and has better vision soon after surgery. I am looking for comfort and reliability. Which one do you suggest? A: There is much debate about this, which means that there really is very little difference. Personally, I find that the mechanical keratome is easier on the patient, and in my hands produces slightly more accurate results. This is the opinion of the majority of the lasik surgeons, but you should do fine either way. I would pick the doctor that you like the best and use whichever method he or she prefers. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Hi Doc. My name is Pamela and i have a very complicated question for you. I have a friend who recently got shot in the eye. He has already lost that particular eye and also cannot see with the other eye. It has been about four months now and still no sight. I am worried about him seeing again in future. Do you think there is any hope? A: I hope that he is getting excellent medical attention. I cannot say from the information provided what his prognosis will be. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hello Dr. Caster, I had LASEK done on May 9th on both my eyes at once. So it has been 10 days from my surgery and almost all discomfort is gone. However, my vision is still only 20/30 - 20/40. My doctor told me that it may get better in the next 3 weeks. What do you consider to be the appropriate period of time after LASEK to judge a patient's final vision? Thank you, Mike Fernandes A: It takes 3 months, sometimes longer, to get to your final vision. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I had this growth on the white of the bottom of my right eye just where the sclera meets the cornea for years (at least 5). It is not easy to see it with a naked eye unless I lean really close to the mirror. Will this affect my suitability for Lasik as it involves the cutting of the cornea? I am really concerned as I really would like to consider Lasik for my myopia. I really would appreciate your speedy reply. Thank you Dr Caster. Jimmy A: You must see a doctor to determine what the growth is. It may or may have an effect. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com