LASIK / FAQs

-5 is certainly correctable with the Visx laser, which is an excellent laser.

Andrew Caster, MD

With severe cataracts you can often see shapes, but little detail. Extremely severe cataracts, which you might be able to appreciate as a whiteness where the usual black pupil should be, will cause only an ability to discern light from dark, no more. Whether you choose to have your dog undergo the surgery is only a choice that you can make.

Andrew Caster, MD FACS

LASIK may indeed be a good solution to your problem. The double vision caused by the glasses is much less likely with a contact lens, or with LASIK.

Andrew Caster, MD

Dry eyes are very unlikely to be made worse with PRK. Dry eyes, at least after the first 3 months, are also very unlikely after LASIK, but even more so after PRK.

Andrew Caster, MD

I already have dry eyes but would like PRK surgery, what are the possible effects of going ahead with the surgery? Does having dry eyes increase the risk of infection permanently?

Andrew Caster, MD

Dry eyes are a concern after LASIK, and are more of a concern in people who already have dry eyes. The key question is: how dry are your eyes without any contact lenses? If they are dry without contact lenses, then you should consider having “LASIK without the flap”, as this is much less likely to worsen the feelings of dryness.

Andrew Caster, MD

I would obtain a second opinion to determine exactly what is going on.

Andrew Caster, MD

Any person who has good distance vision in both eyes — either because they wear contact lenses, have laser vision correction, or wear glasses for distance — will have trouble with near vision starting on average around age 45. Laser vision correction does not change this at all. If you wear glasses, then you can get bifocals. If you wear contacts or have laser vision correction, then you can use reading glasses when needed. However, people who are nearsighted and who use glasses or contacts can remove the glasses or contacts and they will have close up vision, depending on their prescription and age.

Andrew Caster, MD

Yes, you can wear cosmetic contacts after LASIK.

Andrew Caster, MD

I have never heard of a patient losing their eyesight completely from laser vision correction. I assume that it is possible, but I am not aware of even a single instance of this happening.

Andrew Caster, MD

It is often difficult when you receive differing opinions from two different doctors. This happens because there are no clear-cut answers to certain questions, so different doctors can have different opinions about what is best. Which doctor do you innately trust more to make the most informed decision? Look to education, reputation, and a sense of caring.

Andrew Caster, MD

Usually, laser vision correction is available for -8.00.

Andrew Caster, MD FACS

I would recommend PRK in your case.

Andrew Caster, MD

This is very rare. I am not surprised that this is the first time that it has happened. I have not had this problem yet, but eventually it will happen. I agree that you should have PRK. You should have an excellent result and be very happy.

Andrew Caster, MD