Q: I am seriously considering having Lasik done but I recently heard not-so-encouraging stories about my relatives having to go back to wearing glasses. Their vision is not 20/20 anymore. One of them is my 28-year-old cousin. She had it done five years ago. It was great at the beginning but now she has to wear glasses when she drives and reads. It has only been five years. The other person is my sixty-two-year-old aunt. She is having problems seeing too. She had it done roughly the same time my cousin did, five years ago. She now wears glasses all the time. She said her eye sight changed. What went wrong? Or this is to be expected? A: No one should have Lasik unless their vision is stable. This is why you should be careful who you go to for the surgery. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: For custom Lasik, Do the patient get 20/20 vision right after surgery and then vision may change during healing? During Healing, do the patient normally get better vision or getting worser vision. Thanks. A: Usually, the vision gets better as it heals. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Even though CustomVue is currently only FDA approved for use with LASIK, is the use of CustomVue similarly safe and effective when used in conjunction with PKR surgery? A: It is believed to be safe and effective with PRK, and is commonly used in this context. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I am considering getting Lasik in Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, do you have any information on this hospital or its eye surgeons. Also I am from Ireland and the clinic that performs the surgery there insists that patients do not wear contacts for one month before the operation, is this necessary. Thanks A: You should stay out of the contacts for a period of time before the lasik. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: please sent me more information. A: I will ask Diane from my office to call you. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi Dr., I have had my Lasik with Intralase done for nearly 2 months. Currently using the eye drops FML® (Allergan) recommended by the surgeon. Is it usual to use this and how long should be used. Any side effects for prolonged use. Further, I found there some conjunctivitis, sort of broken veins in the white part of the both eyes after the surgery, how can I get rid of it. Thx. Jose. A: These drops can casue glaucoma in rare cases, so you must be followed closely by your doctor and follow his instructions. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi - I was wondering if I would be able to wear contacts after LASIK if they were not able to correct my eyesight competely and also - does the flap always stay on your eye or does it heal? Thank you so much for your answers - I really appreciate it! Heather A: You can usually wear contact lenses in the rare situation where you might need them. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I plan on getting the custom lasik eye surgery done soon and I'm on the computer a lot is it safe on my eyes to look at the computer for hours after I have this surgery done? A: Yes. But remember to blink to keep your eyes miost. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am nearsighted. (left -6.5 diopter, right -6.5 diopter) I also have astigmatism (1.5?) My pupil size is 5mm. My cornea's thickness is 503-507. The doctor say I won't be able to get an enhansement due to the thin cornea. Is "Radarvision" is a far better choise then "Nidek"? Radar vision cost double. Could you explain what diffrence these lasers would make for me? Thank you for your time. A: The lasers differ, just as cars or televisions or computers vary. Each laser manufacturer says that theirs is the best, but LadarVision does seem able to command a higher price from the doctors, which they pass on to the patients. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I recently had eye exam and the Doctor said that I have mild "narrow angle claucoma" and gave me a list of over the counter drugs which enhances and advances the problem and that i must avoid these drugs. The only otc drug i take is Tylenol PM every night. Is it necessary not to take the tylenol? If so what can i take in its place? I am very sensitive to prescribed sleeping pills and must avoid. ( my wife has the problem) Thank you! Ed Gaffney A: I would follow the list that your doctor gave you. You might want to get a second opinion from a glaucoma specialist. Andrew Caster, MD