Advanced Surface Ablation
Advance Surface Ablation, or ASA, represents a tremendous alternative for certain patients who have thin or a typical 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 Bausch & Lomb 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 the time for the epithelium to re-grow, usually 5 to 7 days.
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 haloes 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 the Drs. Parent or Hodkin 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. |
