ASA is an acronym for Advanced Surface Ablation. This is an excellent technique for treating nearsightedness, farsightedeness, and astigmatism in individuals that are not optimal for the LASIK procedure. Reasons for choosing ASA over LASIK include thin corneas and loose skin of the cornea.

Before the development of LASIK, laser vision correction was first performed on the surface of the eye and was called photorefractive keratectomy or PRK. PRK has been shown to have identical long term visual results as LASIK, but had the disadvantage of slower visual recovery, sometimes as long as 6 weeks, and more discomfort. Traditional PRK also required the use of medicated eye drops for usually a period of 3 or more months.

Advanced surface ablation is different from PRK in that there is faster visual recovery and improved comfort. This is achieved by using new methods that were not available when PRK was first developed. In ASA, anesthetic drops are applied to the eye for comfort. The epithelium, which is the surface layer of the cornea, is then gently removed by a soft automated brush. Laser treatment is then performed to reshape the eye to the appropriate prescription. Immediately after the laser treatment, a chilled physiologically balanced solution is used to rinse the cornea. Finally, a clear bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for several days until the epithelium regenerates.

The result of these new methods is improved comfort and faster healing after surface laser treatment. Usually patients see well within several days after ASA treatment and only use medicated drops for the first several weeks after the procedure. Today, ASA is an excellent alternative for patients that are not ideal for the LASIK procedure.