Advanced Surface Treatment
Advanced Surface Treatment (AST) is an excellent choice for Laser Vision Correction. 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 cornea is reshaped by removing a microscopic layer of tissue. 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 use a micro polisher 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.
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 surgeons at The Eye Center have selected the Visx Star S4 Excimer Laser with Iris Recognition and Customvue Technology for it first class safety profile and exceptional results. Customvue takes a precise picture of every detail of your eye’s shape, and thus our surgeons are able to provide an outcome that is truly customized to your specific visual needs.
The ideal AST candidate is 21 years of age or over. Patients should not have had a significant change in their prescription in the last 12 months. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for AST. Conditions Treatable by AST include:
- Myopia, or nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
- Hyperopia, or farsightedness with or without astigmatism
- Those over or under corrected after other refractive surgery or cataract surgery
Contact us for more information about our life-changing services. To schedule an appointment, you may call 803-256-0641.