Dr. Robert Selkin | Robert Selkin

LASIK and ASA
Which treatment is right for me?

In Lasik, a specialized instrument is used to create a flap consisting of the top part of the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to gently reshape the cornea to improve the way light is focused on the retina. The flap (which is attached to one end of the cornea) is then placed back to its normal location and is held in place by the pumping cells of the cornea which essentially create a natural suction mechanism. In some situations, the cornea does not have enough thickness to allow for the creation of a flap, in which case a procedure called Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA, a variation of PRK or E-Lasik) can be done. In this procedure, no flap is created. Instead, diluted alcohol is used to gently remove the surface of the cornea, and the laser treats the prescription in the same way it treats with Lasik. Therefore, Lasik and ASA are quite similar.

Both use the same laser to correct the prescription. In fact, wavefront Zyoptix customized treatment can be done with Lasik or ASA. While patients often choose Lasik because of the more rapid recovery time, ASA is a wonderful procedure with a track record of proven results. ASA involves a longer healing time because the surface of the cornea typically takes 4-5 days to regrow. During this time, the doctor will often have you wear a contact lens to promote the healing. This contact lens is removed in the first week. ASA may also be better for patients with a higher risk of getting hit in the eye. Both procedures can produce fantastic results. While many Lasik patients drive to work the next day, people having either procedure should not drive until they feel their vision is adequate. Each patient heals at a different rate.