Learn More About ASA

Learn More About ASA

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on June 5, 2015

When patients visit Kugler Vision in Omaha for a LASIK evaluation, sometimes they get a surprise. For some patients, we recommend they have Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), also called PRK, a laser vision correction procedure. If they were expecting LASIK, at first they are a bit taken back or nervous. But when we carefully explain to them the ways the two surgeries are exactly the same, and how they are different, they see they have nothing to worry about. The most important fact is that whether it’s with ASA or LASIK, they will experience the same great visual outcome. Read further, and we will give you a quick study of the similarities, and differences, between ASA and LASIK. Find out about ASA and why this procedure might be better for your eyes.

What is ASA?

ASA was the forerunner of LASIK and has produced excellent results from the beginning. This procedure, also called Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), is a safe and effective alternative for patients who are not LASIK candidates.

How ASA and LASIK are the Same

First and foremost, you should know that the visual results are the same. Regardless which procedure you have, you will still achieve the same outstanding clear vision afterward. Both ASA and LASIK correct the common refractive errors of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and both correct the shape of the cornea using the same excimer laser.

How They are Different

There are two basic differences between ASA and LASIK.

• The first difference involves how Lance Kugler, MD reaches the inner cornea to perform the laser treatments. With LASIK, he uses a femtosecond laser to create a flap which is lifted to treat the inner cornea. With ASA no flap is created. The complete outer epithelium layer is removed, and then the laser treats the inner cornea. You will feel no pain with either procedure.
• The second difference between ASA and LASIK is the amount of healing time needed to recover and the amount of discomfort afterward. One of the major reasons the LASIK procedure has become so popular is that there is less discomfort and the healing process is shorter. Because the epithelium is removed, ASA patients must wait for the cells to regenerate and heal. When you get a bruise on your knee, you must wait for your skin to heal. This is similar to the recovery process after ASA. The healing takes a little longer than LASIK, but the results will be the same. Patients usually feel better and return to work 48-72 hours after surgery. The post-operative instructions for ASA will be slightly different than for LASIK patients. Since it’s a different procedure, the medications prescribed will be different for ASA patients.

Why is ASA the best choice for some patients?

When patients are interested in LASIK, they come to our office for a consultation. Everyone undergoes a series of detailed tests to be sure they are a good candidate for the surgery. We will review your general health history, eye health, assess any eye issues, and a corneal topography is completed to map the surface of eye. At Kugler Vision, this personalized patient evaluation is the key to a patient achieving excellent results and to determine whether a patient should have the surgery at all. Not all LASIK centers provide such a detailed evaluation.

• The results determine if LASIK will be safe and effective for each patient. Each eye is evaluated, and in some cases these tests conclude that the patient is not a candidate for LASIK and would be better suited for ASA instead.

The eye care specialists at Kugler Vision will review your test results, and explain in detail the specific reasons for their recommendation and why ASA may be the best surgical approach for your eyes.
Never settle for a short screening or a quick assessment to determine which vision correction procedure is best for you. Trust in the expertise and experience at Kugler Vision. Kugler Vision offers all their patients the best technology, customized treatments, and more personal time with the surgeons than just about any other practice in the area. If ASA is the surgical solution recommended for your eyes, trust in our doctors’ expertise. ASA is a safe and effective treatment that provides the same great results as LASIK. If you or a friend have additional questions about ASA and LASIK or wish to make an appointment, contact Kugler Vision for a consultation.

Lance Kugler, MD

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.