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Gailey Eye Clinic

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

LASIK vs. ASA

Patients are confused when they hear the word LASIK and ASA. Dr. Dennis Lockhart performs both of these procedures utilizing the Allegretto Excimer Laser. In both procedures the eye is numbed using topical numbing drops and the patients are given a little Valium to relax. During the LASIK procedures, Dr. Lockhart creates a protective covering using an FDA approved microkeratome. There are several ways of creating a protective covering, but all in all this is the initial step in performing LASIK. The protective covering is then lifted and moved out of the way, so that the Allegretto Excimer Laser can gently reshape the underlying tissue correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The protective covering is then placed over the treatment site and the natural bonding characteristics of the corneal tissue will help that protective covering adhere without stitches. Usually, patients are able to visually function within a few hours to a couple of days after the procedure.

With the ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation), formerly known as PRK/PARK, the epithelium (outer covering of the cornea) is removed using a sponge. It is gently removed, and then the Allegretto Excimer Laser is applied to the corneal tissue, the same amount of laser time and correction that the patient would have had, doing LASIK. Then Dr. Lockhart will cover the treatment site with a "bandage" contact lens. The contact lens stays in place approximately 3-10 days, to help with healing and comfort. Once the contact lens is removed the vision slowly returns. During this healing time, most patients are able to see, but it may be blurry and may not be good driving vision. ASA does give the patient the same end result as if they had LASIK. There are several reasons Dr. Lockhart may choose ASA over LASIK. Most often it is because of dry eyes, thin corneas and patients fear of rubbing the eyes after the procedure.
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posted by Gailey Eye Clinic at 9:03 AM