Q: I had lasik 5 years ago. My L eye still has dim vision ( loss of contrast ) and R eye, ghosting. Would a custom lasik redo help ? S. Cheng A: It might. Also, a non-custom treatment might help. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had lasik about 4 weeks ago, using the wavefront technique. I still have halos and starbursts at night, along with some rainbows (prisms). It improved a bit after the first week, but now it doesnt seem to be getting much better. Any thoughts? A: Be patient. It may take several, up to 6, months. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 54yo PA. I want Lasik. I was hit under L eye several weeks ago. I have a floater but Opthal. M.D. said no retinal tear or detachment. Any problems for lasik surgery? A: Not from what you have mentioned so far. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi, I have mild hyperopia and mild astigmatism. What is the best laser eye treatment on the market today for this type of problem? I.e., what "laser machines" or procedures are my best options? I don't want somebody to persuade me to settle for second best. Cost is not an issue. Thank you, Anders Olsson A: There is disagreement within the profession as to which is best. With your prescription, you should do very well with the Alcon or the Visx lasers. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi. I am aspiring to be a pilot. However, the reqirements is that the astigmatism must be less than 75 degrees in each eye. Is it possible that after LASIK, my astigmatism (about 400) will go down to 75? or hopefully less than 75? Pls reply asap and thank you for your time. I appreciate your help. A: Yes, there is a very good likelihood. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had RK in 1984 when I was 42 to correct near sightedness. Distance vision was good for about 10 years but I gradually began needing reading glasses. After the 10 years my distance vision began getting worse. My eyes had become farsighted and I began wearing bifocals for distance and close correction. Three years ago I went to a lasik surgeon to see if he could restore my distance vision - I play golf and glasses distort my depth perception. He at 1st scheduled me for an operation, but before the appointment came he called and cancelled saying because of my RK he didn't think I was a good candidate. My question is, has technology changed in the last 4 years sufficiently to hope I might be able to get distance correction for my RK/farsighted-now eyes? Thanks, Dennis A: Yes. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am considereing PRK as a mean to correct my vision, and I am scheduled to have my final measurments taking soon. However, I need to know the difference in the LADAR vs VISX and which one is of these machines is recommended to treat both myobia and astigmatism. I know the LADAR uses a flying spot to trac the movement of the pupil. what about the VISX? what does it use to tract the slightes movement of the pupil and whcih one removes the least amount of corneal tissues. I am -4.75 in my right eye, and -5.00 in my left eye. A: Both are excellent machines, and both have their advocates. Choose the doctor you like and then use the machine he or she prefers. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hello Dr Caster, My wife and I are planning on having vision surgery. We visited a surgeon in our area and the doctor said we are good candidates for either Lasik (with Intralase) or Epi-Lasek. My wife and I are arguing over which method to choose. I like the idea of Lasik and she like Epi-Lasek. My wifes perception is that Epi-Lasek is safer, and she is willing to take the extra recovery time. I don't like the idea of longer recovery time, plus having the to wear the eye bandage (contact). My only conern with Lasik is complications with the flap. Assuming we are good candidates for both, which option is preferable? Thanks in advance, RG A: They are both good options, with pros and cons, so you each should choose whichever you personally prefer. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Am 77 rys, had prisim in glass lens for one eye for double vision, 3 years ago, now have double again, is Lasik a good procedure for me will it cure double vision? A: It will not cure double vision. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had custom lasik with the Alcon Ladarvison 4000 just over a month ago, and am currently overcorrected in both eyes. The left is about a +3.00, and the right a +1.00 (although this eye was supposed to be intentionally undercorrected for monovision). What type of enhancement would you reccomend it this refraction is the "final result"? My Doctor mentioned possibly CK, but doesn't that "wear off" over time? What sucess does this have for my situation, and are there any other options? A: I would recommend a repeat Lasik, non custom, in 3 months. Andrew Caster, MD