Gently reshapes the cornea without a flap, offering safe, effective vision correction.
What is ASA?
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, ASA is a “flapless” procedure. During ASA, the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is gently removed. A precise excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After the laser treatment, a soft contact lens bandage is placed over the eye to protect it as the epithelium naturally regenerates over the next few days.
Some individuals are not good candidates for LASIK due to thinner corneas. Because ASA doesn’t require creating a flap, it preserves more corneal tissue and provides a safer solution for these patients.
By avoiding the flap creation process used in LASIK, ASA eliminates the risk of flap-related issues such as dislocation or infection.
ASA outcomes are highly stable over time, and the procedure has been shown to provide equally effective results as LASIK in terms of long-term visual acuity.
Because there’s no corneal flap, ASA may be a preferred option for individuals involved in contact sports, military service, or professions where eye trauma is a risk.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) offers a safe, effective alternative to LASIK—especially for those with thin corneas or active lifestyles. Find out if ASA is right for you by scheduling a consultation with our vision experts today!
We take time to understand how you use your eyes—whether for reading, night driving, golf, or screen time. These insights guide your ideal lens selection.
Using corneal topography and tomography, we create detailed maps of your eyes to identify issues like astigmatism or early signs of keratoconus that could impact your outcome.
Optical Coherence Tomography gives us a non-contact, cross-sectional scan of your retina to rule out underlying conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Unlike LASIK, ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) can significantly reduces the risk of developing or worsening dry eye symptoms after surgery. Combined with our advanced diagnostics and early treatment of dry eye disease, ASA promotes smoother healing and greater post-op comfort.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), is performed right in our state-of-the-art, in-office surgical suite—so there’s no need for a hospital visit. The procedure takes only about 7 to 10 minutes per eye and is designed with your comfort in mind.
Immediately after surgery, a soft, bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface and support healing during the initial recovery period.
You’ll need to arrange a ride home, as your vision will be blurry for the first few days. Most patients experience noticeable improvement in vision within 3 to 7 days, though full visual clarity may take 4 to 6 weeks, and in some cases up to 12 weeks as the eye continues to heal and stabilize.
A comprehensive post-op appointment is included to ensure proper healing, adjust the recovery plan if needed, and answer any questions. Our caring team is with you every step of the way—before, during, and after surgery—to ensure the best possible outcome.
Patients often share that ASA provides life-changing clarity, reducing or eliminating their reliance on glasses and contacts, and allowing them to live, work, and play with renewed confidence.
If you’re considering vision correction but are unsure about LASIK, ASA may be the clear and safe solution you’ve been waiting for. Talk to your eye care provider to see if ASA is right for your visual needs and lifestyle.
