Are You a Poor Candidate for LASIK? AST Might Be Right for You
LASIK is a household name and rightfully so—over 10 million Americans have chosen this surgery to improve their vision without contacts or glasses. But there’s another procedure out there that can also deliver excellent results. Advanced Surface Treatment, or AST, is the vision-boosting procedure you’ve likely never heard of!
Like LASIK, AST improves refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Both treatments offer many of the same benefits, but they are ideal for different types of eyes and vision needs. If you’ve been exploring refractive error surgery but have been told you aren’t suited for LASIK, it’s not the end of the road. Read on to learn more about AST and why it may be right for you.
What may make you a poor candidate
Not everyone is suited for refractive error surgery. During your visit with Dr. Beran or Dr. Weber, measurements and examinations will allow us to identify any conditions that disqualify you from either LASIK or AST. Some factors may make you a poor candidate for both procedures, while other factors may only disqualify you from one. You may be ineligible for surgery if you have certain eye diseases, injuries, other conditions, or if your overall health could hamper the healing process.
Why AST may be better for you
Some factors may make you ineligible for LASIK but not AST. While LASIK creates a flap in the top layer of the cornea to reshape the tissue underneath, AST completely removes the top layer of the cornea to work directly on the surface. Our surgeons place a soft contact lens to protect the eye after surgery, and after just a few days, your tissue regenerates, and we can remove that contact lens. For this reason, people with thin corneas are not a good candidate for LASIK but may still benefit from AST. Patients with chronic dry eye, high prescriptions, and other special considerations may be better suited for AST.
Fortunately, no matter which treatment our surgeons deem best for you, you’ll receive their award-winning expertise, make use of advanced laser technology, and enjoy the care you deserve.
Benefits of AST
Whether you’re at work or home, just waking up, or staying active—AST allows you to enjoy clearer vision without the hassle of contacts or glasses. Though the recovery is a bit longer than LASIK, the end result is safe and effective.
Even if you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK, we encourage patients to visit us and explore alternatives that can deliver equally clear, healthy vision. With AST, better vision is possible. To see if AST is right for you, schedule an appointment with our experts at Columbus Laser & Cataract Center today!