Advanced Surface Ablation – it sounds like a bit of a mouthful, but it’s really more of an eyeful. At Eye LASIK Austin, we’re proud to offer Advanced Surface Ablation (or ASA) as an alternative treatment to traditional LASIK. Advanced Surface Ablation vs LASIK – take a look at answers to some of the most common questions surrounding this fantastic procedure:
What Is Advanced Surface Ablation?
ASA treatments use the same technology as LASIK, but the difference lies in how the procedure begins. Rather than creating a flap in the cornea for the laser to pass through, ASA uses a corneal well to dilute the eye with alcohol. The alcohol is then rinsed away, leaving the top layer of the cornea soft and able to be moved aside. The layer is reshaped after the procedure and kept in place with a soft contact lens during the healing process.
What Are The Benefits?
ASA holds several benefits over traditional LASIK as it has fewer risks, is less invasive, and has a lower chance of post-operative dry eyes. However, ASA does have a longer recovery period than LASIK.
Advanced Surface Ablation Recovery Time
Typically, most patients recover experience in 3-5 days.
Who Is ASA Ideal For?
ASA is a great option for patients that might not be a candidate for traditional LASIK. If you have thin or irregular corneas, ASA might be the right solution for you. Additionally, those with occupations that require great vision (such as fighter pilots, firefighters, and martial artists), also might opt for ASA since it’s a more superficial procedure. Corneal flaps can be disturbed by intense physical activity, so those with very active occupations should take this option into consideration.
Think that you might be a good fit for ASA? Book your consultation today.
