Q: I have conjunctival cysts on both of my eyes. I have had them for almost a year. My conjunctiva is sometimes inflamed and red when I wake up in the morning. I think that it is caused by allergies. Do you think that I would be considered a good candidate for lasik surgery? A: It would be nice to get better control of your allergies, but this condition should not prevent you from having Lasik. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: What's better CustomVue or Allegretto Wave for lasik eye surgery? A:  There is a great deal of controversy regarding different laser systems, and since progress is always resulting in improvements, things will change over time. Currently I prefer the CustomVue over the Allegretto. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: my mother who lives in sinaloa mexico, has glaucoma for about 6 years, i told her that if she is not responding to the eye drops anymore, 3 or 4 kind i guess. the only next step is laser surgery, what do you think> Sincerely, Dr. Manuel Sillas (internal medicine physician). She is not longer responding to the beta-bloquers A: Pills are sometimes used, or laser or traditional surgery. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: What if you want to correct your eyes if your are 16 and want to start flying? A:  It is best ot wear glasses and contact lenses until you are a little older and your eyes are more likely to have stopped changing. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: do insurace (medical) pay any of the cost? i have blue cross of az. federal insurance. A: No, this is elective treatment. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: I had lasik performed on May 26th. I understand it has only been a couple of days, but my vision is very hazy. Today I am getting worried because I cannot see from a distance as clearly as I did yesterday. Should I be concerned? A: I owuld not be concerned, as fluctuation in vision is very common after Lasik. If you are worried, simply return to your doctor for an evaluation. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q:  sir, i'm physically fit for lasik surgery. but i need financial help.where can i approach A: I do not know of any sources. Andrew Caster, MD

Q: How does one request a second opinion? Should I ask my current doctor or select someone and let my current doctor know that I am seeking a second opinion? A: Either way is acceptable. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. It is common for people to get second opinions, so you and your doctor should not feel uncomfortable about it. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q:  I had RK 20 years ago in San Diego. Now I have fluctuating vistion in near, far and reading. When driving sometimes my reading glasses help. When reading, sometimes my reading glasses do not sharpen my vision enough to read. I know I need help I just am very afraid that I won't get the best surgery for my situation. Please help Sherri A: Lasik or PRK may help your situation. Andrew Caster, MD www.castervision.com

Q: Dr, Castor, I chose your name since I live in Southern California when not on assignment as I presently am in KC, Mo. My questions, 1. I have a lot of astigmatism with +5.75 cylinder in the right eye & +4.25 in the lefteye, sphere is -2.5 R & 3.25 L. I see 20/20 with glasses. Can I expect to have the majority of my astigmatism removed with one surgery or is it likely I will need an enhancement procedure done? 2. If enhancement is needed, would the enhancement surgery be more or less risky than the first? 3. Given the above parameters, would I be a good candidate for wavefront lasik? 4. If enhancement is needed, how long between surgeries is required? Would I or should I wear glasses between the initial surgery & the enhancement? 5. Is there a limit to the number of enhancements that can safely be made? Please advise, Thanks, Jay Rackley jay.rackley@siemens.com A: It is necessary to exam you to determine more factors before a definite answer can be given, but it does appear that you are a candidate for Lasik. Wavefront is not currently available for your prescription, and even if available, may not be the best choice for that prescription. Most likely, you will not need an enhancement, though it is possible. Most people waiting for an enhancement do not use glasses in the meantime. Usually, it is best to wait 3-6 months before getting an enhancement. Enhancements involve less risk that primary surgeries, and the number is based on the thickness of the cornea. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center www.castervision.com