Procedures
Advanced Surface Ablation (Flapless LASIK)
Advanced Surface Ablation is a relatively new laser vision procedure that has addditional safety features over conventional LASIK making it an ideal aternative for some patients. Instead of cutting a flap on the front of the cornea the corneal surface is treated with the laser and covered with a bandage contact lens.
LASIK
ASA
ASA is a better choice for those who is for those who:
- want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
- are over 18 years of age
- have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
- have wide pupils
- have corneas too thin for conventional LASIK
- want to avoid conventional LASIK flap complications
- who want to minimize dry eye problems after surgery
- who cannot have conventional LASIK because of eye pressure problems (glaucoma)
- who cannot have conventional LASIK because of corneal dystrophy problems
- who do not want conventional LASIK because it requires a microkeratome
What to expect on surgery day:
You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked-in and settled comfortably, you will be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape will be applied. You may be given a sedative to help you relax. Eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles are used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking.
You will arrive about an
hour prior to your procedure
You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. A temporary bandage contact lens will be used to reduce post-operative discomfort.
You will be asked to look directly at a target
light while the laser reshapes your cornea
The laser treatment will be completed
in less than a minute or two
The decision to have ASA is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after ASA and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.Serious complications with ASA are extremely rare. ASA is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.
The vast majority of our patients can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses
ASA is a safe, effective and permanent
procedure, but like any surgical
procedure, it does have some risks
You and your doctor will determine
if ASA is an option for you