Q:  I have the dry AMD in the earlier stages and I am also nearsighted. I would like to undergo a laser surgery to correct the nearsightedness. However I am hesitant to pursue this as I would like to keep my options for treatment open for the AMD. I wanted to know whether there is a technique to alter the focal point of the lense or cornea to redirect the field of vision to an area of the retina unaffected by AMD. If there is a procedure I would imagine reshaping the cornea to improve nearsightedness might preclude surgery to improve sight damaged by AMD. If you have any information in this matter I would appreciate your advice. Thank-you. A: There are experiments being tested to redirect the light rays, but nothing is available at this time. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I see that the visx laser was approved for custom ablations for hyperopic patients. I had lasik back in 1998 with an enhancement in 2000. I have poor night and low-light vision. I still have some residual astigmatism and far-sightedness in both eyes. I also have large pupils. Is the ladarvision a far superior product than the visx or would i be ok with having the customvue done now since it is FDA approved. I dont know how long i will have to wait for the ladarvision to be approved and i have been waiting quite a long time for this. THank you A: Neither laser is approved for custom ablations as enhancements, and although they can be used for that purpose, they are not yet optimized for that. That will take a few more years. Andrew Caster, MD

Q:  Hello Doctor I just did a corrective laser eye surgery in my left eye, 1 week and a few days ago. It was a failure. the doctor said that the center of the eye is all dried out. He put me on Restarsis ? for 2 weeks; he said he might have to do a redo in 3 months. My right eye was done very succesfully by another doctor in another region; I can see 20/15 ! with no fluctuation in vision from the get go. By all means, you imagine the dissapointment. At this point, I am in a mind set of just not letting the new doctor do anything for a year or so, and maybe, just maybe I might redo it after I get the advice of experts like you. Any advice doctor will be more than appreciated. god bless you. A:  Go get a second opinion. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Six months have elapsed since Custom Wave Guide Lasik was performed on my eyes, medium correction for near sightedness. Monovision was chosen to preserve a measure of close up vision. The left eye for distance has regressed with minor astigmatism as a consequence of the healing process, and now the option of enhancement is to be considered. What are the risks and potential outcome. A: The potiential outcome is that your vision will be improved. The risks are very similar ot the first surgery, except that a new flap is not made; instead, the old flap is found and lifted. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 26. My contacts are as high as -8.5. The worst thing is that 12 years ago i didn't even need glasses, but my eyesight just started getting worse and worse every year. I feel like I am getting blind. i went to the doctor in July, since then it got a little bit worse, i am still thinking to do the lasik, they say if it gets worse after the surgery you can do the touch ups ( I believe that's how it is called). I just hate myself for that fat glass in my glasses. Is it possible that I am getting blind? What do you think about the lasik for me? Noone in my family had a problem with eyes... I'd better have a couple of lasik, than keep on waiting for some miracle... Is there a possible disease that makes the eyesight dissapear? The eyes doctor checked everything and it was fine, he said everything seemed normal. He had trouble writing a prescription for me though, when I came a week later, he had to change it.. Please let me know what you think, I am really scared... I do not want to wait to be -20.00.... Thank you so much! A: At some point, your eyesight will stabilize. That is the best time for the Lasik, becasue the surgery will not stop your eyes from getting worse. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: i'm medical student 21y i have myopia my vision is -8 and iwear contact lens since 3yearsand i want ask u "is LASIK suitable for me and it percentage of successful" A:  Lasik may be suitable. You need to have other factors checked, such as corneal thickness and curvature. Also, Lasik will not stop your eyes from changing. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: What are the pro's and con's of LASIK vs. PRK (LASEK?)? Specifically, for myself with myopia in the 6 diopter range (plus astigmatism), and normal cornea thickness which procedure would you tend to favor and why? A: I would tend to favor Lasik due to its faster healing time. Risks are slightly different but similar in degree and frequency. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had Lasik surgery 4 years ago to correct nearsightness and astegmatism. I ended up with 20/40 vision and had a second surgery on both eyes after 3 months. Now I have had to start wearing glasses to drive and over the last couple of months my vision appears worse. What is the percntage of this happening after 4 years? A: It is very rare, but does happen in some cases. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Almost 4 years ago I had lasik done (one eye for reading and one for distance) in Camarillo, as was close to 20/20 afterwards. I am 50 years old now. Lately, I have noticed that my vision appears to be weaker/blurier at night. My question is: does lasik "wear out" or weaken over time? Is it possible that another procedure would be required? Thanks you A: Another porcedure may be required. Lasik does not "wear out", but you are certainly getting older. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: May i know what is the advantage of having a lASIK comparing to PRK A: The main advantage is speed of visual recovery. Andrew Caster, MD