Q: Hello and good day! I am a male in my late 20's. I am excitedly looking forward to having LASIK done. I have done tons of research. I still just have one quesiton. I am nearsighted (myopic) -3.5, and currently have great close-up vision. I find when I wear my glasses or contacs for distance, my close-up vision appears a bit de-magnified. Meaning, when I hold something a few inches from my eyes, it appears a bit smaller, maybe by apprx. .5 times or so. I'm sure you know what I mean. I am wondering what type of outcome usually derives from LASIK concerning this matter. I mean, if I have my choice, I would prefer to lean more towards the best distance vision and continue to deal with the appearance of close-up items as they are currently when I wear glasses or have contacts. I was wondering if by any miracle, I could have the best of both worlds. Not something like monovision, but to be able to keep this great close-up vision and to be able to shoot for 20/20 or better for distance. Just one more thing, what's the ~percentage of achieving 'eagle' vision? And what is the max resolution of the human eye (i.e. 20/10 or even megapixels :) )? Thank you kindly for your time! Sincerely, Peter M Leo III A: Your vision after Lasik will be similar to the vision with glasses or contacts, for both near and far. We are not sure of the maximum resolution of the human eye -- probably around 20/10. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am currently pregnant and am intrested in getting Lasik surgery. I am sensative to light and my vision is gettting worse during this pregnancy. When can I get lasik and am I canidate? A: You must wait until after you fininsh breast feeding . Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had strabismus corrective surgery at age 6 R eye worse than left & correction involved both at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston. I wore pathes both eyes x 6 wks. Since then enjoyed good eye sight until age 49, could still see "double" at times when tired. Then developed @ 49 near first then farsighted problems as well as astigmatism requiring progressive lens correction. I no longer read the 1-2 books per wk I have enjoyed in past & have difficulty seeing when in lighted situations with flourescent lights. I also do not like being in bright lighted situations, have low level light when at home.My eye glass prescription is for +1.00-.50x5 + 0.50 add +2.50. What are my options???? Can I have contacts, surgery? lasix? If lasix is an option, I would like to investigate surgery on east coast. A: I would see a Lasik specialist to evaluate your particular situation. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I'm looking for a second opinion. I just had a Lasik screening and the Dr. suggested that I should also consider PRK. He briefly mentioned that some studies show PRK offers better results. My cornea thickness and pupil size are normal my correction is -4.0. What is your opinion on this? A: For normal corneas and pupil size I would recommend Lasik. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I recently had an evaluation completed on my eyes to see if I qualified as a Lasik patient at Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute. The corneal thickness of my eyes was 496. I was denied for Lasik and PRK due to the corneal thickness. How thick must my cornea be? I know it is also dependent on how big the eyes are. I have the tiniest eyes. Is there an alternative for me as contact irritate my eyes and glasses make me dizzy? A: I would recommend a second opinion. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Is their any problems with LASIK caused by high-G loads on the body, such as in the acrobatic or military flight fields. I think the max G-force I would pull is around 9. A: No, after the Lasik has healed for a few weeks, there should be no problem. 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

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: 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: 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