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

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: 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