Q: I had RK in 1984 when I was 42 to correct near sightedness. Distance vision was good for about 10 years but I gradually began needing reading glasses. After the 10 years my distance vision began getting worse. My eyes had become farsighted and I began wearing bifocals for distance and close correction. Three years ago I went to a lasik surgeon to see if he could restore my distance vision - I play golf and glasses distort my depth perception. He at 1st scheduled me for an operation, but before the appointment came he called and cancelled saying because of my RK he didn't think I was a good candidate. My question is, has technology changed in the last 4 years sufficiently to hope I might be able to get distance correction for my RK/farsighted-now eyes? Thanks, Dennis A: Yes. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi. I am aspiring to be a pilot. However, the reqirements is that the astigmatism must be less than 75 degrees in each eye. Is it possible that after LASIK, my astigmatism (about 400) will go down to 75? or hopefully less than 75? Pls reply asap and thank you for your time. I appreciate your help. A: Yes, there is a very good likelihood. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: Hi, I have mild hyperopia and mild astigmatism. What is the best laser eye treatment on the market today for this type of problem? I.e., what "laser machines" or procedures are my best options? I don't want somebody to persuade me to settle for second best. Cost is not an issue. Thank you, Anders Olsson A: There is disagreement within the profession as to which is best. With your prescription, you should do very well with the Alcon or the Visx lasers. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I am 54yo PA. I want Lasik. I was hit under L eye several weeks ago. I have a floater but Opthal. M.D. said no retinal tear or detachment. Any problems for lasik surgery? A: Not from what you have mentioned so far. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had lasik about 4 weeks ago, using the wavefront technique. I still have halos and starbursts at night, along with some rainbows (prisms). It improved a bit after the first week, but now it doesnt seem to be getting much better. Any thoughts? A: Be patient. It may take several, up to 6, months. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: I had lasik 5 years ago. My L eye still has dim vision ( loss of contrast ) and R eye, ghosting. Would a custom lasik redo help ? S. Cheng A: It might. Also, a non-custom treatment might help. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: If I can read and read a computer screen without my glasses will that be affected by having laser surgery? A: It depends on your age. People over 45 cannot have distance and near in the same eye. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: What is the yongest age for this procedure A: Around 18, or when the eyes stop changing. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: In October, I had Lasik eye surgery with the latest surgery they have. I forgot what it is called. Before surgery I had very, very poor vision. I know my contacts were -9.00. I could not read the alarm clock. I also had thin cornea's. The doctor performed the surgery and mentioned I would have mono vision to help w/reading, etc.I was not sure if I would like the mono vision or not. They did not give me a contact lens to show me an example. Well, I do not like the mono vision. He mentioned that we could possibly do an enhancement and would see me months later and then more months later. He now says he took 30 of my corneas off and feels that he does not want to risk me getting in the future a detached retina. He then mentioned that in 2-3 years we could maybe do it. My left eye is seeing 20-30, not sure what my right eye is seeing. But, it is blurry. Why couldn't he just upgrade that right eye 1.0 diaopters? Or even a 1/2? Thank you Diane A: I suggest that you get a second opinion. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: im having my lasik surgery done soon, will it be necessary for me to get a lifetime assurance plan that will cost me $400 per eye additional. A: No. But Lasik will not stop your eyes from changing. So if you want to buy some type of insurance, just make sure that they will be there for your lifetime to honor the commitment. Andrew Caster, MD