Q: I'm trying to verify a eye surgeon told me a laser could correct me +6.75 left eye R eye 3.75 astigmatism Is this true. A: Yes, a laser could be used, but many doctors would recommend against using a laser for that prescription. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: What percentage of people stay out of glasses for more than six years on a surgery that has successfully removed your glasses? A: The vast majority, well over 95, are not using glasses for distance six years after successful Lasik surgery. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I'm considering have some type of eye surgery to correct my vision, I currently wear bifolcols and using contacts with monovision. I have never been comfortable using contacts they irritate my eyes. I seem to adjust to the monovision but I'm not sure if I could sit down and read a book. I'm wondering if monvision would be a solution for me and that if my inability to read for long periods of time is secondary to the contacts irritation or my inability to adjust to monovision? What type of surgery would you suggest? A: You might try testing with monovision glasses to see how you tolerate the monovision. If you like the monovision, then I would do Lasik with monovision. It may not solve all your reading needs, but monovision will help with many reading situations. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 6 months post-Wavefront. Overcorrected by 1 diopter. Enhancement being blocked by complications. Recently diagnosed with keratitis sicca secondary to LASIK.Don't know if this diagnosis means dry eye is chronic and incurable or still amenable to healing with time to pre-surgery level.Am being referred to cornea specialist. One eye care pro said the doc's (not the original surgeon) who gave me the most recent diagnosis did not want to say Lasik-induced dry eye (fear of being asked to testify in a lawsuit), so instead said "secondary", as if it appeared out of the blue. Can you advise and/or do an enhancement? A: Dry eye is common after Lasik, and it typically goes away after several months. There are many treatments available for the dry eye, including anti-inflammatory drops, lubricating drops, tear outflow blockage, and (one of the best things) flaxseed oil pills. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I just had an assessment done and was told I had thin corneas (516) and a high prescription (-6.5) and was recommended to get Custom Lasik. This place doesn't use Intralase but uses the blade to cut the eye. Is it true that Intralase IS really better than the micro keratome blade? I've read mixed reviews and don't know if I should get a second opinion? Do you have a definite opinion with regards to which type of eye cutting instrument is better? A: I don't think that either is better -- I think that they are basically equivalent. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have had GPC for over a year now and cannot seem to get it under control. Would it have to be completely cleared up for me to be a candidate for LASIK? I am 24 but had a slight prescription change within the past year. Does this also hinder my candidacy for lasik? I would appreciate a response.. thanks Catherine A: GPC does not have to be cleared up prior to Lasik. I prefer for it to be under mild control, which usually can be accomplished by stopping the soft lenses for a few weeks and taking the approriate drops. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  I am 50 years old. I am very nearsighted (-13). I have been wearing Rigid Gas contacts for 25 years. I went to see 2 surgeons here in Orange County. I wasn't given an option for Lasik or Lasek or CustomLasik surgery. One suggested I do a PHAKIC IOL procedure (he said my cornea is healthy and thick enough) and the other suggested Intacs+ASA (my cornea is not thick enough). I am confused. I heard Lasek or CustomLasik can fix high degree of nearsightedness too. Is that true? To what degree can Lasik, Lasek or Customlasik correct? Thank you for your time. A: Your degree of nearsightedness is higher than is currently recommended for Lasik, Lasek, or CustomLasik. Phakic IOL is the procedure of choice. There is currently one model available (the Verisyze) and another (the Visian) should be available soon. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I have a son who is 12 yrs old and has been wearing glasses for 2 1/2 yrs. Is there a age limit to perform Lasik surgery? A: You must wait until the eyes stop changing for distance, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 24. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had exam for custom lasik and I was told that I am a candidate for the procedure. But I am still concerned about my large pupils(8.30mm, 8.25mm) combined with high prescription(-9.5D, -9.75D). Should I take the surgery or not? A: People with large pupils and high prescription are more at risk for glare or halos after the procedure. Most people with this combination do not get significant glare or halos, but it is a possibility, so you need to think about that. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My son is myopic,and the power of his glasses is-18 D.Is he eligible for Lasik/PRK .Kindly give an answer. A: No, his prescription is too high. I would recommend that you look into the phakic IOLs, such as Visian or Verisyze. Andrew Caster, MD