Advanced Surface Ablation

What is ASA?

Advanced Surface Ablation, or ASA, is a laser vision correction procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and is an excellent alternative treatment used to correct vision by reshaping the cornea.

During the procedure, an excimer laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea, removing some of the corneal tissue. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, ASA treats the surface of the cornea directly. The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is either removed or allowed to naturally regenerate.

The reshaping of the cornea changes the way the eye is able to focus, correcting the patients vision problems.

ASA Recovery

After the ASA procedure is complete, your surgeon will place a bandage contact lens on the eye, which will allow the epithelium to heal, and help reduce eye irritation. This contact lens will be removed by your surgeon after a few days.

In the week following your procedure, you might feel some discomfort or irritation. Your visual acuity may fluctuate, and it is common to feel sensitive to light. You should be able to perform most of your regular activities, such as driving, work, and chores around the house. It can take up to 6 months to achieve your best visual acuity, but most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision.

ASA requires several post-operative appointments in the weeks and months after your procedure to ensure your eyes are healing properly, and your visual acuity is progressing as expected.

ASA versus LASIK

Like LASIK, ASA eye surgery corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It also treats higher order aberrations, which can affect the quality of vision.

Because ASA does not create a corneal flap like LASIK does, it may be a better treatment option for patients in higher risk careers, such as law enforcement, pilots, members of the military, and athletes such as boxers or martial artists. ASA may also be a good option for patients with thinner corneas, or significant myopic prescriptions.

At your free consultation, our doctors will work with you to determine if ASA is the best visual option for you.

PRK

What is PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is also a laser vision correction procedure designed to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

PRK involves reshaping the cornea's surface without creating a flap, which distinguishes it from LASIK. The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to allow access to the underlying tissue.

After the epithelium is removed, an excimer laser is used to precisely ablate (remove) tissue from the cornea, correcting the refractive error.

PRK Recovery

Recovery from PRK can take longer than LASIK, with the epithelium taking several days to heal. Patients may experience discomfort and blurry vision initially, but vision usually stabilizes over a few weeks.

PRK versus LASIK

PRK is often recommended for individuals with thin corneas or those who engage in activities that might put them at risk for flap complications.
PRK involves the removal of the corneal epithelium (the outer layer) to access the cornea, where an excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue directly. The epithelium regenerates naturally after the surgery.

LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The flap is lifted to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue, which is then reshaped with an excimer laser. The flap is placed back after the procedure.

Cost of ASA/PRK

At Whitsett Vision Group, the cost of ASA/PRK is the same as LASIK. Since ASA/PRK is also considered an elective surgery, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of the procedure. You can, however, use your Health Savings Account or Flex Spending account to help cover the cost of your procedure.

We also offer financing options through Care Credit, to all of our surgical patients. Please see our Insurance & Financing page.

Ready to Schedule?

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate for ASA or PRK, call us today at (713) 365-9099.