Advanced Surface Ablation

Advanced Surface Ablation in Chesapeake, VA

Advanced surface ablation, also known as ASA, is a blade-free laser procedure that effectively corrects refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For patients who are not candidates for LASIK, this procedure can be performed using several different techniques while providing comparable vision correction results.

Candidates For Advanced Surface Ablation

Similar to LASIK, there are specific requirements that all patients need to meet in order to undergo advanced surface ablation in Chesapeake, VA. These requirements include:

  • Must have wide pupils
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have no significant health issues
  • Must have a stable eye prescription for a minimum of one year
  • Must be seeking to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism

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When Is ASA Needed?

There are a variety of reasons that patients choose to undergo advanced surface ablation. Many choose ASA as their treatment of choice because they were unable to qualify for a LASIK procedure. This disqualification can be due to a patient:

  • Who’s corneas are too thin
  • Who experiences eye pressure issues
  • Who has corneal dystrophy
  • Who has cornea scarring
  • Who has previously had a radial keratotomy procedure

So, if any of those apply to you and disqualify you from LASIK, ASA will be your go-to choice. 

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Why Choose ASA Over Lasik Eye Surgery?

Advanced surface ablation in Chesapeake, VA, offers patients many benefits over LASIK. Though they are very similar in a lot of ways, there are a few key differences that could make ASA the right choice for you.

First and foremost, ASA can entirely eliminate the possibility of flap complications. As you may have caught earlier, ASA is a great choice for those who have thin corneas, as LASIK simply isn’t an option for them. That’s because ASA immensely reduces the risk of compromising the thickness of a patient’s corneas. Whereas the LASIK approach of cutting a flap with a blade can weaken the cornea, leaving it far thinner than it was before the procedure.

Finally, and simply enough, ASA reduces the risk of experiencing uncomfortable dry eyes after the procedure is completed. And when you come to Southside Eye Care for your initial consultation for ASA in Chesapeake, VA, one of our amazing doctors—Drs. Keverline, Hallberg, or Uber—will be there to help you decide what the right step forward is for your eyes.

The Advanced Surface Ablation Procedure

ASA takes minutes to perform and is done on an outpatient basis using only anesthetic eye drops. During the procedure, your surgeon will gently remove the surface layer of the eye, known as the epithelium. This is done with either a laser that precisely lifts up part of the surface layer or with a solution of diluted alcohol that gently loosens the epithelium so that it can be lifted to the side.

Once the epithelium has been moved aside, the cornea is carefully reshaped with a laser to correct vision. The advanced laser used during this procedure customizes vision correction for each individual patient to ensure successful results. A contact lens bandage will be placed over the eye after the procedure to protect the eye and promote healing.

What To Expect During ASA Recovery

After the ASA procedure, patients will be able to return home after a few hours with someone to drive them home. The bandage contact lens will be worn for three to four days, depending on the surgeon’s instructions. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and keep the eyes moisturized. In most cases, patients can return to work within the next few days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week.

You may also want to avoid ingesting any foods or drinks that may affect your eyes, including excessive sodium, sugar, and alcohol. Though doing so won’t harm the healing of your eyes, it can most certainly create discomfort for you while they heal. The general rule is to simply avoid as much eye strain as possible during your recovery.

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The Results Of Advanced Surface Ablation

The results of ASA are comparable to LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, producing results of 20/40 or better in most cases. Some patients may still need their glasses or contact lenses after treatment, but their prescription will be significantly reduced. It is important to note that ASA does not correct presbyopia, the natural change in the eyes that occurs after the age of 40, so older patients will still need reading glasses after surgery.

When Will I See the Results?

Patients should begin to notice an improvement in vision within the first few days after surgery, with full results gradually developing over the course of six months. Glasses may need to be worn during an initial period after surgery as vision adjusts.

Are There Any Risks Of Advanced Surface Ablation?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with ASA. These risks can include the following:

  • Infection
  • A poor reaction to the anesthesia
  • An uncomfortable sensitivity to light
  • An under-correction or overcorrection

With that said, complications stemming from an advanced surface ablation treatment are rare, so you should have no worries going into the procedure. And if you do, one of our friendly doctors will be there to answer any questions that you may have and to make you confident in your choice to undergo ASA treatment in Chesapeake, VA.

Read What Our Patients Are Saying!

“I have been a patient at Southside Eye Care for more than twenty years. Dr. Keverline and Dr. Hallberg are very caring professionals. They have treated me with compassion and are wonderful. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I have always received excellent care and service. The optical shop staff has also been very helpful. They are knowledgeable and took their time in properly fitting my glasses. I have always had a positive experience at Southside Eye Care. There is a family atmosphere at this practice.”

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Find Out if ASA Is Right for You Today!

Southside Eye Care proudly serves Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, as well as the surrounding areas. For more information on Advanced Surface Ablation, call us at 757-484-0101 today or fill out our contact form for more information.

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