Q: What are the pro's and con's of cutting the corneal flap by Microkeratome verses using IntraLase Laser. What if the doctor I choose use's Microkeratome and not IntraLase, or vice versa? Should i look else where? A: I don't think that there is any appreciable difference, and I whave been using both for many years. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My husband is considering LASIK surgery for correction of ambliopia (from childhood) in his right eye. He has been evaluated and they say they should be able to obtain up to 20/50 acuity. They do have WaveScan laser for aberration correction. What have been the statistics for successful restoration of vision in adults with LASIK? A: Vision is correctable usually up to the level that it can be corrected with glasses. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Can Lasik correct astigmatism due to nearsightedness? What are the advantages and disadvantages? A: Most people with nearsightedness also have astigmatism, and that can be corrected with Lasik. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I just received an examination to determine if I can get lasik surgery. I am far-sighted with 20/70 vision. My surgery has been scheduled next week. I was also told I have cataracts developing in both eyes (apparently due to a lot of sun exposure), covering large areas of the eyes. These would probably have to be removed sometime in the futue. How will cataract surgery affect the results of lasik surgery. Should I wait on the lasik surgery? A: If your cataracts are advanced, then wait on the Lasik and get the cataract surgery first. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Original procedure produced slight (but noticable) residual astig. in right eye. 4 months later had right eye enhancement procedure and this made vision in right eye very blurry. this has remained blurry for 5 weeks now. Surgeon has determined that I'm now farsighted in that eye. A) is it advisable and B) How long should I wait before risking a third procedure on the same eye to bring me back to plano ? A: Wait at least 3-6 months. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I actually live in Italy but still have a residence in LA. I've recently had a test in Italy for Lasik surgery and was told that I am a good candidate. The Lasik model they would use is Bausch and Lomb. What are your professional thoughts of this system compared to the others? A: You can obtain excellent results with any of the top systems, including B&L. Andrew Caster, MD Beverly HIlls, CA

Q: Are there any risks with LASIK if you have a career that deals with high altitude, like a pilot in a non-pressurized plane? I heard that your eyes my be at risk of rupturing. What if you had LAISK 5 years ago? Is there a risk then? A: There is no risk with Lasik. The earlier non laser surgery RK had problems with higher altitudes. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: You say that less than 1 of peoples vision worsens after LASIK treatment, but is it still better than they could see before surgery without their glasses on? ie if they could see 20/100 without glasses beforehand will there be an improvement to that, or could it be even worse?? A: Almost everyone gets better uncorrected vision after treatment than they had before. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: My prescription for left eye is -3.5 and for the right eye it is -3.75. I am 28 years old and will conitue to be in academics and research. Do you think I should go for this surgery and how effective will it be for me. A: That is a good prescription for Lasik. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am a candidate for Lasek; one doctor told me that when he performs Lasek it is done on one eye first and then the 2nd eye 2 weeks later. Another doctor told me he does them both at the same visit. What is your opinion? A: Either is acceptable, and it depends on your specific situation. Andrew Caster, MD