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LASIK and ASA

We offer two types of refractive surgery using the excimer laser: ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) and LASIK. The FDA has approved both of these procedures. Your surgeon will advise you on what is the best procedure for you.

ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation)

ASA uses the excimer laser to reshape the front surface of the cornea to change its focusing power. Surface cells of the cornea (the epithelium) are gently removed from the central portion of the cornea, without the need to create a flap, to expose the region of the cornea that is treated with the laser. The actual laser time is similar to that with LASIK. The surface cells require two or more days to heal. A soft contact lens is placed over the eye during this period to serve as a bandage. ASA has been FDA approved for treatment of near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism with the VISX Star laser and long term safety and efficacy has been well established. ASA has been very useful for eyes that have thin corneas as well as those with corneal dystrophies, corneal irregularities or those who have occupational safety needs.

 

LASIK (LAser in SItu Keratomileusis)

LASIK is an excimer laser surgical procedure that treats the middle layers of the cornea to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and/or astigmatism. LASIK is FDA approved and is the most advanced procedure for correcting focusing problems of the eye. LASIK is performed using numbing drops to prevent pain during the procedure. A vacuum ring secures the eye while a thin layer of the cornea is formed into a flap. This flap is folded over, and the laser surgery is performed on the bed of the cornea that is exposed. The laser treatment reshapes the cornea to treat the refractive condition. The actual laser portion of the procedure lasts 10 to 60 seconds. The flap is then placed back into its original position and observed for 2-3 minutes to insure that it is fully adherent.

Advantages of LASIK include:
1. Little or no discomfort following the surgery;
2. Recovery of vision often within 1-2 days;
3. Little or no risk of developing haze following treatment, and
4. Ease of doing additional laser treatment should it be necessary.

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur, including those that could result in loss of vision. Fortunately, severe complications are extremely rare.