Q: it is better that you email me but my name is justing barton and i am thinking about getting prk done and i was just wondering how soon after the surgery should i be able to drive and my prescription in both eyes are -2.50 if you can give me a probable answer i would apprecitate it A: For PRK, probably around 7-10days. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: At what age do you have to be to get the Custom LASIK? A:  You can have the Custom Lasik at the same age that you can have the conventional Lasik. We like to wait until your eyes stop changing, which is usually after 18 years of age. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: as me doctor has said my eyes are: od = 1.25 - 0.75 / 165 os = 1.5 - 1.75 / 175 I want to know whether to undergo LASIK or LASEK?? A: Either would be a possibility. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I just went to the Doctor's office and they told me that since my eyes are at 490 and 486 respectivly I would only need to do PRK and not lasiK. He said lasic if basically for people with 530 or better. Is that correct? A: There is disagreement regarding this. For some doctors 500 or 530 may be the lower limit. For others, 450 or 480 is the lower limit. It also depends on the amount of correction that you require. Thre is no accepted answer regarding this. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Thank you for helping out. My sister is coming to the US, and wants to get LASIK done there a month before she comes here. I believe that she needs a 3-month checkup. How much will this cost, roughly, at your center? A: It would be best if you would give us a call at 800-444-5241. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center www.castervision.com

Q: 51 yr. male with previous RK who is now experiencing farsightedness. Can LASIK be used to correct vision in this case. A: Yes. Lasik will help the hyperopia type of farsightedness, but not the presbyopia type. Monovision Lasik is a possibility. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Dr, Castor, I chose your name since I live in Southern California when not on assignment as I presently am in KC, Mo. My questions, 1. I have a lot of astigmatism with +5.75 cylinder in the right eye & +4.25 in the lefteye, sphere is -2.5 R & 3.25 L. I see 20/20 with glasses. Can I expect to have the majority of my astigmatism removed with one surgery or is it likely I will need an enhancement procedure done? 2. If enhancement is needed, would the enhancement surgery be more or less risky than the first? 3. Given the above parameters, would I be a good candidate for wavefront lasik? 4. If enhancement is needed, how long between surgeries is required? Would I or should I wear glasses between the initial surgery & the enhancement? 5. Is there a limit to the number of enhancements that can safely be made? Please advise, Thanks, Jay Rackley jay.rackley@siemens.com A: It is necessary to exam you to determine more factors before a definite answer can be given, but it does appear that you are a candidate for Lasik. Wavefront is not currently available for your prescription, and even if available, may not be the best choice for that prescription. Most likely, you will not need an enhancement, though it is possible. Most people waiting for an enhancement do not use glasses in the meantime. Usually, it is best to wait 3-6 months before getting an enhancement. Enhancements involve less risk that primary surgeries, and the number is based on the thickness of the cornea. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center www.castervision.com

Q:  I had RK 20 years ago in San Diego. Now I have fluctuating vistion in near, far and reading. When driving sometimes my reading glasses help. When reading, sometimes my reading glasses do not sharpen my vision enough to read. I know I need help I just am very afraid that I won't get the best surgery for my situation. Please help Sherri A: Lasik or PRK may help your situation. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: How does one request a second opinion? Should I ask my current doctor or select someone and let my current doctor know that I am seeking a second opinion? A: Either way is acceptable. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. It is common for people to get second opinions, so you and your doctor should not feel uncomfortable about it. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q:  sir, i'm physically fit for lasik surgery. but i need financial help.where can i approach A: I do not know of any sources. Andrew Caster, MD