Advanced Surface Treatment eye surgery, or AST for short, is a laser vision correction procedure that is an attractive option for many people who are not candidates for traditional LASIK vision correction. AST can be used to treat nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), as well as other common conditions like astigmatism and presbyopia.
Who is a Good Candidate for AST Eye Surgery?
People for whom an active lifestyle makes LASIK difficult or those who have been told in the past that they were not able to have corrective eye surgery may be pleasantly surprised to learn that they are candidates for Advanced Surface Treatment eye surgery.
Specifically, AST is a great procedure for patients with a high prescription, for those with dry eye syndrome, and patients who aren’t candidates for laser vision correction because their corneas are too thin.
What to Expect During AST Refractive Eye Surgery
If you are a candidate for Advanced Surface Treatment refractive eye surgery, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect from your procedure. Don’t worry – your eye surgeon and staff will make sure you understand everything before beginning your surgery. As with other types of eye surgeries, you will be awake and alert during the entire procedure. You will receive eye drops designed to numb your eyes, and a device called a “lid speculum” will be used to help keep your eyes open during the procedure.
Then, using a cool, ultraviolet laser, the surgeon will gently remove very thin layers of tissue. This works to reshape your cornea, with the goal of giving you clear, crisp vision without glasses or contact lenses.
After your eye surgery, your surgeon will give you specific care instructions and will let you know what you can expect. Your vision will be blurry initially, and you may feel a slight irritation in the laser-treated eye(s). The healing process takes a little bit longer with AST compared to traditional LASIK procedures. However, patients report good results and there are few instances where a second procedure is necessary.
Choose New Vision Eye Center for AST Refractive Eye Surgery
Don’t assume that you are not a candidate for corrective vision surgery without talking to the skilled and experienced eye surgeons and staff at New Vision Eye Center in Vero Beach. You might be able to eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses for good!
We offer a complimentary consultation, where we will examine your eyes thoroughly and discuss possible options with you. We understand that eye surgery is a major decision, so we will do our best to help you understand the benefits and potential risks of various types of eye surgeries.
To learn more, and to schedule your free consultation at our world-class eye care center, contact New Vision Eye Center today online, or by calling us at (772) 257-8700.