Advanced Surface Treatment (AST) is an excellent alternative to LASIK. Many patients who were told in the past that they were not ideal candidates for Lasik can achieve fantastic results with AST. Without making a flap, the outer lining of the cornea, the epithelium, is loosened using alcohol. The cornea is then reshaped by removing a microscopic layer of tissue with the laser using the same CustomVue™ and Star S4 IR™ technology as LASIK. This reshaping allows light rays to focus perfectly on the retina, dramatically improving vision.
The entire procedure will take less than 30 minutes. Once your eye is completely numb, our surgeon will apply the alcohol to prepare the eye to receive the laser. Utilizing the excimer laser, your surgeon will remove the exact amount of tissue needed to reshape the cornea and improve your vision. There is no discomfort or pain during the procedure.
What can I expect?
After AST, a protective contact lens is placed on the cornea. Patients may experience some blurry vision for three to five days and some discomfort until the eye completely heals. Eye drops, medication, and the contact lens are very effective in reducing this postoperative discomfort. Final visual results will be fully realized anywhere from several days to a few months depending on each individual's healing tendencies.
The entire procedure will take less than 30 minutes. Once your eye is completely numb, our surgeon will apply the alcohol to prepare the eye to receive the laser. Utilizing the excimer laser, your surgeon will remove the exact amount of tissue needed to reshape the cornea and improve your vision. There is no discomfort or pain during the procedure.
What can I expect?
After AST, a protective contact lens is placed on the cornea. Patients may experience some blurry vision for three to five days and some discomfort until the eye completely heals. Eye drops, medication, and the contact lens are very effective in reducing this postoperative discomfort. Final visual results will be fully realized anywhere from several days to a few months depending on each individual's healing tendencies.