Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a laser vision procedure that is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. ASA is a less invasive procedure than Lasik, as it does not involve the cutting of the front flap of the cornea. If the procedure goes well recovery doesn't take long. But you should understand the entire process before focusing on recovery.
Preoperative
You will arrive at the laser center an hour before your procedure. Dress warmly, as the operating room is cold. You should not wear any makeup, cologne, perfume or scented lotion, as this will interfere with the performance of the laser. You will be seated in a reclining chair. A sterile drape will be applied and you will be given eye drops to numb your eyes. When your eye is numb, an eye spectrum will be placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking.
The Procedure
An instrument containing a diluted alcohol solution will be placed around your eye. This loosens the surface skin cells (epithelium) from the cornea so the laser procedure can begin. You will then be asked to look directly at a red light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The red light will become more difficult to see as the procedure goes on. Try not to move your head and eye much, but if you do it should not affect the outcome of the procedure because of the laser's automated tracking system.
The laser treatment takes less then a minute per eye. Once the treatment is completed, the doctor will give you additional eye drops and insert a protective soft contact lens to act as a bandage and reduce discomfort.
Postoperative
After the procedure, you should have someone drive you home because your vision will probably be blurry. You should relax for the rest of the day. The doctor will give you antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops and instruct you when to use them.
The recovery period for ASA usually lasts two to four days, during which you may experience mild to moderate discomfort and blurred vision. The epithelium should regenerate within this time period. You will return to the doctor the day after the procedure to monitor healing. If your eye is healing as expected and there is no discomfort, the protective lens will be removed on the third or fourth day. There will be one more follow up evaluation ten days after the procedure, and then at one month and three months.
Tags: doctor will, doctor will give, procedure goes, will give, will placed