FAQs

I don’t think that either is better — I think that they are basically equivalent.

Andrew Caster, MD

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

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
www.CasterVision.com

No, I do not think that Intacs are the best choice, at least in most situations. Lasik or PRK is usually a better choice.

Andrew Caster, MD FACS
www.CasterVision.com

Intacs are available.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

:Advanced Surface Treatment, also known as PRK, Lasek, and Epi-Lasik, does not involve a flap.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

It is not appropriate for me to comment on that.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

Unfortuantely, there is no scientific evidence that the Bates method works. It has certainly been tested.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

Epi-Lasik is a different way of performing PRK (Advanced Surface Treatment). The big negative with Epi-Lasik or any form of surface treatment is that the healing period is much longer and there is considerably more pain.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

Most people will maintain their distance correction for most of their lives. Approximately 5 of the patients will have a change in their distance vision and could have further treatment in the future.

Lasik is not correcting the near vision, so unless you have monovision treatment, then you will need reading glasses when you get older.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

The safety profile is different for Verisyse than for laser vision correction. Whereas most of the problems with laser vision correction would occur during or shortly after the procedure, the Verisyse patient might experience cataracts or problems with the endothelium several years later.
These percentages, however, are very small.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

If you are at risk for retinal detachment, then you should have regular retinal exams. Lasik does not increase or decrease your risk for retinal detachment.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

You must wait until the eyes stop changing for distance, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 24.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

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
www.CasterVision.com