J. REX PARENT, M.D.
Selected by his peers as one of the “Best Doctors in America©” and one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. Dr. Parent is a nationally recognized board-certified ophthalmologist, specializing in cataract and refractive surgery. Dr. Parent first performed LASIK in Brazil in 1995 prior to FDA approval in the United States. The Eye Center of Fort Wayne was the first center to offer Custom LASIK and Refractive Lens Exchange in Northeast Indiana. The procedures are performed in The Eye Surgical Center of Fort Wayne which is Northeast Indiana’s first governmentally approved ambulatory eye surgical center devoted exclusively to eye care.
Eye surgery patients from across the country come to Fort Wayne based on Dr. Parent’s reputation. If you would like to explore your options for refractive surgery request a free screening or call us at (800) 393-7874 to schedule an appointment.
Advance Surface Ablation
Advance Surface Ablation, or ASA, represents a tremendous alternative for certain patients who have thin or atypical corneas that do not fit the criteria for traditional LASIK.
Specifically, ASA is an excellent choice for individuals who are moderately to severely nearsighted and have corneas too thin or flat for traditional LASIK. ASA may also be a good choice for individuals who participate in contact sports or have aspirations for flight operations in the military.
With ASA, the surface epithelial cells are modified with mild surgical intervention assisted by drops. The corneal surface is then treated with the state-of-the-art Custom Excimer laser and covered with a bandage contact lens. The surface cells then reform creating a very strong refractive system. Specialized drops are used post-surgically to maximize the outcome.
Definition
ASA stands for Advance Surface Ablation. It is a minimally invasive surgery procedure used to correct refractive errors of the cornea. The procedure causes little discomfort and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform.
ASA Procedure
Prior to surgery, drops are inserted into the patient’s eye to numb it. The patient will lie down on a table with a secure headrest to hold the head still. The eye to be operated on will be fitted with a speculum that will keep the eyelid open.
A light will be targeted toward the eye and the patient will be asked to fixate or stare at the light. This is so the laser can be directed in a precise manner to reshape the cornea. The doctor will remove the epithelium (the top layer or surface of the eye) and then apply the excimer laser, the same laser used for LASIK.
The laser treatment usually lasts less than a minute. Drops will be instilled in the eye to help with healing and to prevent infection. A clear bandage contact lens will be placed over the cornea while the epithelium regrows, usually 5 to 7 days.
WAVEFRONT ANALYSIS
It’s a newer, more precise, and automated way to determine the eye’s optical prescription. The device shines multiple small beams of light into the eye and then analyses how the same beams are bent (refracted) by the eye. This not only shows the glasses prescription, but also measures the fine imperfections (higher order aberrations) that are not typically corrected by glasses and contact lenses. This data is then programmed into the Excimer laser to guide a unique personalized treatment for your eye. Results have shown that using Wavefront Analysis for Custom LASIK and ASA can reduce some of the unwanted night-time glare and halos.
Risks
Any time surgery is performed with anesthesia there is a risk of allergic reaction and complication from drugs used. Other possible risks or side effects are as follows:
- A loss of perfect clarity of the cornea, usually not affecting vision.
- Light sensitivity, glare and halos at night.
- An inability to correct your vision with glasses or contact lenses to the level it was before this procedure (loss of best corrected acuity).
- Over correction or under correction of vision.
Refractive surgery may not give you the result you desired. In some cases retreatment, glasses, or contact lenses could be effective in correcting vision.
Surgery will not eliminate the need for reading glasses and for some people may require their use at an earlier age.
Recovery
Your surgeon will send you home with antibiotic drops to be instilled directly into the eye several times a day to prevent infection. Corticosteroid drops or anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to alleviate swelling. Strenuous physical activity should be limited until your doctor has determined the eye or eyes have healed properly.
Tips
Vision improvement should be noticeable within a few days after surgery and most patients are comfortable with their vision within six weeks. Vision improvements will be gradual and may take up to six months to reach their best-uncorrected vision.
Vitamin supplements may help your eye(s) heal more quickly and comfortably. Your surgeon will advise you regarding vitamin use related to surgery.
Dr. Parent discussing Refractive Surgery Options on PBS
Host – Mark Evans Guest – J. Rex Parent, MD, Jessica Hoag
