Posted on: Aug 28 2014
By: admin
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a vision correction procedure for patients that aren’t suitable candidates for LASIK because of corneas that are too thin, or due to another irregularity that would make performing LASIK unsafe. ASA achieves the same results as LASIK, but the procedure is just slightly different. ASA is a bladeless procedure that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Benefits of ASA
ASA has a lower risk of causing dry eye in most patients compared to LASIK procedures. Because ASA does not require a flap to be made in the cornea, as LASIK does, there are fewer complications with the procedure. ASA is also a more precise treatment.
Who is a good candidate for ASA?
Similar to LASIK, there are certain requirements that patients must meet in order to undergo the ASA procedure. They include:
Being over the age of 18
Stable eye prescription for at least one year
No major health issues
Looking to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
Wide pupils
Many patients choose to undergo ASA because they do not qualify for LASIK. Conditions that make a patient ineligible for LASIK may include:
Corneas that are too thin
Problems with eye pressure
Corneal dystrophy
Scarring of the cornea
Previous radial keratotomy procedure
What is the ASA procedure like?
The procedure takes only minutes to perform, and uses a laser to reshape the cornea to improve vision. This procedure is entirely customized to the needs of each individual patient’s need. A protective contact lens is put into the eye to promote healing after the procedure that acts as a band aid.
What can I expect during recovery from ASA?
After the procedure, someone will have to drive you home. The contact lens can be removed after 3-4 days, depending on your surgeons instructions and eye drops may be prescribed to help prevent infection and keep eyes moist.
Vision will noticeably improve within the first few days following surgery, and gradually improve over the course of 6 months. Some patients wear prescription lens glasses for a period of time while the eyes adjust.
Results
ASA results are comparable to LASIK and other laser vision correction procedure results. In most cases vision is improved to 20/40 or better, however some patients still require reading glasses, prescription lenses, or contacts. ASA does not cure presbyopia, the change in eyes after the age of 40, so patients over 40 who undergo ASA may require reading glasses.
Advanced Surface Ablation in Winchester
To learn more about advanced surface ablation, contact us today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Stefano. Our offices are located in Winchester, serving Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. We can be reached at (540) 722-6200, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Posted in: LASIK
