Is Advanced Surface Treatment (AST) a Good Alternative to LASIK?
AST is an excellent alternative to LASIK. The AST has taken laser correction to a higher level. This makes it a perfect choice for people who do not qualify for LASIK. It is also an excellent procedure for individuals with an active lifestyle.
You can use the AST as a corrective procedure for hyperopia, myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
What to Expect You will be wide awake during the procedure, which should not take more than 30 minutes. Your eyes will be numbed, and a lid speculum will be used to keep your eyes open during the procedure.
The surgeon will then use an ultraviolet laser to reshape your cornea. Your vision will improve because light rays will perfectly focus on your retina. The cornea will remain intact during the procedure. Only the epithelium (surface layer) will be removed before reshaping the cornea with the laser.
Because it is a non-invasive procedure, it is ideal for people with thin corneas, those needing high-level correction, and those suffering from dry eye syndrome. Also, patients are less likely to have corneal injuries compared to LASIK.
You will not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, you may have blurry vision for three to five days following the procedure. You will be given eye drops, medication, and contact lenses to ease the discomfort after the procedure and minimize the risks of complications.
You will achieve your final visual results within days or months following the procedure.
Even though recovery takes longer than LASIK, you will still achieve good end results. Also, the rates of retreatment are lower with AST compared to LASIK.
Outcomes with AST are comparable to LASIK; you will see just as well. Because the initial healing is slower, it is recommended that you have one eye done at a time and wear corrective glasses or contact lenses in the other eye as you wait for the second procedure.
About Author The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.
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