LASIK / FAQs

People with nystagmus can certainly have laser vision correction, because the eye trackers on the lasers follow the eye as it moves. So nystagmus is typically not a problem. I have treated quite a few people with nystagmus, and we have been very happy with the results.

Andrew Caster, MD

No, prolonged exposure to sunlight is equally damaging to the eyes, whether or not you have had LASIK. In some cases, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause a slight return of nearsightedness after LASIK.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

If the ball were to hit the flap, it could cause the flap to move, particularly in the beginning. Even after one month, it could conceivably cause the flap to move, but it is much less likely. If the flap moved, you would note a lot of pain and blurred vision, and the flap would need to be smoothed back into place, typically with no permanent effect.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

Laser surgery can eliminate much of the need for reading glasses if you opt for the monovision version. Monovision can also be created with contact lenses. One eye is adjusted for distance, one eye for near. You will need to try this with glasses as a test in the office, to see if you like it, before having laser treatment.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

It is recommend that people with even mild keratoconus do not have LASIK. However, it is not clear whether Advanced Surface Treatment, which is LASIK without a flap, is a good idea or not in people with keratoconus. It may or may not cause the keratoconus to advance.

Andrew Caster, MD

Glasses and contact lens prescriptions vary. You may or may not be a candidate; it is difficult to say from the information given. I would recommend that you go to a LASIK doctor for an evaluation. The fee for treatment in both eyes varies from around $4500 to $6500 dollars.

Andrew Caster, MD

You are at the very upper end of what is treatable with LASIK, and many doctors would say that a person with your prescripton should not attempt to achieve a full correction. In such a case, only a partial correction would be possible, which would make you much better but still leave you with thin glasses or contact lenses. Another possibility is the phakic implants, commonly called intraocular contact lenses.

Andrew Caster, MD

It would not be wise to perform the surgery on a 13 year old. The odds are very high that her eyes will significantly change over the next few years, so it is best to wait until her eyes have stopped changing.

Andrew Caster, MD

Overcorrections can be corrected. It is possible in most cases to perform several enhancements, if needed. It will depend on the thickness of the cornea.

Andrew Caster, MD FACS

It is possible that the edge of the flap could be seen months later, though often it is very, very difficult to see. A topography test will usually show that the procedure was performed.

Andrew Caster, MD

Often, when a touchup is not advisable with LASIK, a touchup can be done using the PRK laser technique.

Andrew Caster, MD

Your correction is at the higher range for laser vision correction. One doctor may have felt that your corneas were too thin for LASIK. Some doctors do not like to perform PRK for higher corrections, whereas others feel comfortable.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

You need to be evaluated in person by a LASIK specialist.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com

PRK takes longer to heal than LASIK, and it is expected that the vision would be a bit foggy 11 days after the procedure.

Andrew Caster, MD
www.CasterVision.com