Q: HELLO. I'VE BEEN TO 2 LASIK CONSULTATIONS. ONE PLACE RECOMMENDED THAT I WAS ELGIBLE FOR PRK AND NOT LASIK BECAUSE MY CORNEA IS TOO THIN. THE OTHER PLACE ALSO SAID MY CORNEA IS THIN BUT I WOULD BE ELGIBLE FOR LASIK FOR $4500 WITH LIFETIME TOUCHUPS. THEY SAY THE PRK IS MORE PAINFUL W/LONGER RECOVERY, RIGHT? THAT IS WHY I'D RATHER GO WITH LASIK. BUT IS THE $4500 A LITTLE TOO STEEP IN PRICE EVEN W/THE LIFETIME TOUCH UPS. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND I DO? SHOULD I KEEP SEARCHING FOR DIFFERENT PLACES? BECAUSE WHAT I REALLY WANT IS THE LASIK WITH A PRICE THAT'S RIGHT AND POSSIBLY LIFETIME TOUCHUPS (SINCE I AM ONLY 24YEARS OLD AND I KNOW MY EYESIGHT WILL STILL CHANGE). I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANKS. CHERYL A: First of all, price should be the least of all your considerations when choosing a Lasik doctor. This is your vision, and you will use it every waking moment. I would recommend finding out about the reputations of the Lasik doctors, and get one or more opinions. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I am 44 years old with myopia 700 - 800 degree and astimatism 100 - 200 for both eyes. I have had my eyes assessed and doctor said I am a good condidate for LASIK sugery. He is not going to use wavefront-guided LASIK on me because wavefront-guided LASIK is more suitbale for younger age around 20 plus and he also said the latest technology had yet to be proven it was the best. I am confused and do not understand why many patients were then performed surgery using wavefront-guided LASIK. May I have your opinion? I also heard that doctors would normally give patients double vision after sugery, i.e. to under-correct one eye and over-correct the other eye so that patients can see cleary both from far and near. Is it true? I would appriecate very much if you could advise. Thank you. A: Each doctor has his or her own guidelines about whether to use wavefront or not. Also, many people your age will choose to have one eye for near, one for far, but many others want both for far. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I have been told my corneas are too thin to do lasik and the Verisyse procedure may be right for me. Is the Verisyse the only procedure I may be able to have or would the custom lasik with the wavefront(?) guidance be an option for me? A: Custom lasik requires even more cornea, so it probably would not be an option. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: I have a astigmatism problem with one or both eyes, would I be able to successfully receive lasik sugery? A: Lasik can correct astigmatism. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: Sir, How long does it take the eye to return to its normal shape once contacts are removed? I am getting the Lasek surgery in 2 weeks and they told me I needed my contacts out for 2 weeks prior. I only had them out for about 3 days prior and did not disclose that information because I would have lost my slot to get the surgery. Your response would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot Sir. Very Respectfully Marc Vielledent A: For soft lenses, 10-14 days. For gas permeable, 6-8 weeks minimum. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, CA

Q: Hi, my daughter has been wearing glasses for 7 months now,and she doesn't like them at all. So I was considering the lasik surgery for her, but I need to know if there's a starting age for the surgery? A: Usually 18 is the youngest age. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly HIlls, CA

Q: I want to find out what type of operations are available now with todays technology for a 7year old boy with congenital glaucoma and about loosing vision on the right eye A: There are many excellent operations available. You need to see a glaucoma specialist. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Dear Sir, I am a 15 year old Australian high school student,currently working on a medical technology assignment. The question i need answered : What impact and affect will Lasik surgery have in the future? Looking forward to your reply. Thank You Matthew Kafer. A:  I think that Lasik will continue to be the most commonly performed surgery each year in the United States, as well as in other countries. It should only continue to have a greater and greater impact each year. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly HIlls, California

Q: Just had lasik 4 days ago..my vision before lasik was -6.5 and -5.0..i am undercorrected now about -1.00 on each eye...i asked dr what setting was on laser for correction and it was approx 20 less than my orgingal prescription. he said that was due to my age(57). is this correct procedure to undercorrect because of your age.? thanks john A: Each doctor has his or her own system. I think that it is proper to inform people ahead of time if you intend to purposefully undercorrect them. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly HIlls, CA

Q: I had lasik surgery one year ago,but my vision is not completly treated. my right eye is - 0.50 with no astigmatism . my left eye is +50 WITH THE ASTIGMATISM OF 0.50.i am thinking about another lasik surgery.is it possible? A: Yes, it is possible, and should help you a great amount. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly Hills, California