Questions & Answers

Q. Which of these is the best for you eye (if you qualify for both): VISX Tart S4 with Custom Vue Technology or VISX Star S4 Laser traditional? why?

Dello Russo responds: Standard and CustomVue Lasik offer virtually the same result for about 95% of people. The one large exception occurs when a person has a large pupil. Then CustomVue is advisable, other things being equal.

Q. I'm -10.75 in my left eye and -11.00 in my right. I'm 37 years old. I was told I can't get Lasik. Would intraocular implants be a good option by an experienced doctor?

Dello Russo answers: At the present time and for the foreseeable future the implant is your only other choice other than glasses and contacts, however implants are tricky and the surgeon you choose should be very experienced. Please make sure that this cannot be done by lasik. Make sure that the Lasik surgeon offers no-blade, bladeless or all-laser lasik. He will provide you with the best advice. If the surgeon is still making flaps with a blade (microkeratome), switch to a surgeon who offers no-blade Lasik. You might be a candidate for that procedure. PRK is not an option at your high powers since scarring may occur.

Q. I had a lasik surgery for both of my eyes a month ago. Ever since after that I have headache all thru the day. It aggravates when I read news papers and see computer. Is this headache related to the surgery? If so how long do I need to bear this?

Dello Russo answers: It mostly depends on your age. If you are 40 or more then you may need reading glasses; Or maybe you are not fully healed so that it is a strain until your vision improves; Or your eyes may be dry. These are the most common causes.

Q. What are floaters? and how do people get it?

Dello Russo answers: Floaters are normal particles that develop in our eyes, usually as we get older. Some may occur very early. They are more easily seen against a white background` since the are so small.

While out in the sun, you may be able to see them when you close your eyes as you are looking at the sun. The important point is that they are most often normal and harmless occurrences.

The only exception are those that suddenly appear after a person has seen what appears to be flashes of lift streaks upon movement of the eye. This is when a person should seek a comprehensive eye exam.

Q. I would like to know if there are other surgeries to correct my vision in case I'm not a good candidate for LASIK.

Dello Russo answers: There are two main laser surgeries: LASIK (laser treatment under a flap of the surface of the cornea) and PRK (reshaping the surface of the cornea directly). The PRK procedure is usually used when the cornea is too thin to perform a LASIK surgery.

Q. How does the lasik machine works?

Dello Russo answers: The simple answer is that with Lasik or PRK a special laser is used to reshape the front of the eye called the cornea in order to eliminate the prescription for glasses.

Q. I am using reading glasses after a surgery due to presbyopia and dizziness. What are my options?

Dello Russo answers: After the age of 45 or so, we all need reading assistance such as reading glasses. So far there is no cure for it.

Q. I am nearsighted. My powers are -2.5 in both eyes and I have cylindrical powers. I have a thin cornea - 500mm and 490 respectively (left and right). Would I be able to perform Lasik or any other new procedure to correct my vision? Also I had a retina tear which was well barraged with green laser. What is your advise?

Dello Russo answers: If you go to a surgeon who uses a laser (Intralase laser) to make the flap, you may probably be able to have Lasik. Don't use a blade for Lasik. If not Lasik, your other choice would be PRK.