ASA (Advanced PRK)
“What an experience! ClearSight has the best ophthalmology surgeons in town and the smartest group of staff.”
– Jaire Z., ClearSight Patient
A Flapless LASIK Alternative
The great vision you’ve always wanted!
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), also known as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), is a type of refractive laser surgery that is a LASIK alternative. PRK surgery does not create a corneal flap typical of traditional LASIK and can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
ASA is an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas or who don’t like the idea of having a corneal flap. It can also be used for people who have had previous old-generation LASIK who want to see well again. ASA provides the same level of vision that LASIK does, but the healing process is a bit longer as there is no flap.
Who is a Candidate?
A good candidate for PRK advanced vision correction is typically someone in their 20s or 30s seeking a safe and effective alternative to corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and would benefit from this LASIK alternative.
Is it Safe?
PRK surgery is gentle and just as safe as LASIK. Based on your eyes and lifestyle, PRK may be the better option for you. We will always do what is best for your health and vision!
Popular Benefits
- Safety for contact sports and active military service.
- Minimal removal of your body’s natural tissue.
- Increased rate of candidacy for those with thin corneas.
- Eliminate contact lenses or glasses.
- 20/20 or it’s FREE ClearSight Commitment
How it works
The procedure begins with your ClearSight surgeon using topical anesthetic drops to make sure that you are fully comfortable with the procedure. The surgeon then gently removes the top layer of the cornea known as the epithelial layer. Finally the surgeon applies the same laser pattern that LASIK does to your cornea treating your prescription.
A comfortable no-power contact lens is then placed on your eye to keep you comfortable during the healing process. Most people can even see an improvement as soon as the procedure is finished!
STEP ONE
Epithelium is Removed
STEP TWO
Laser Reshaping
STEP THREE
Contact Lens is Placed
Are You Ready for ClearSight?
Take Our Self-Test to See Which Vision Correction Procedure Is Right For You
affordability
At ClearSight, we believe that financing Vision Correction Surgery should be simple. That’s why we offer affordable 0% payment plans on all of our procedures.
Technology Matters
Getting to the best vision possible - Often better than 20/20!
Technology has always been extremely important in vision correction, and ClearSight has recognized that from the beginning. This is why we have so many vision correction options, so that we can make sure that everyone who walks through our doors will get the best vision possible. It also means most people are a candidate for something and that the majority of our patients achieve vision that is better than 20/20!
More FAQs about Advanced PRK
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF PRK LASER EYE SURGERY?
Pros:
- Patients who are not eligible for LASIK surgery may be a candidate for PRK.
- There is no corneal flap created during the procedure.
- PRK is a low-risk procedure with stable outcomes.
Cons:
- For one to four days after surgery, patients may experience moderate pain or discomfort.
- PRK recovery can be longer as the procedure takes longer to heal from.
- Optimal vision takes about one month to achieve.
WHAT IS PRK’S SUCCESS RATE?
The vast majority of patients who have the photorefractive keratectomy surgery see a significant improvement in their vision, making PRK a very effective method for correcting eyesight. In fact, if you have 20/20 vision with your glasses or contacts and are a candidate for PRK, you’ll be offered our “20/20 or it’s free” money back commitment on PRK.
HOW LONG DOES PRK LAST?
PRK improves vision by permanently changing the shape of the clear front part of the eye (the cornea). It cannot, however, stop the aging process of the eyes or the potential onset of optical disorders such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRK AND LASIK?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY PRK PROCEDURE?
IS PRK SURGERY PAINFUL?
CAN YOU WEAR EYE MAKEUP AFTER A PRK PROCEDURE?
IS PRK BETTER FOR DRY EYE?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER AFTER PRK?
Most patients have functional vision within a few days but it often takes up to a month to gain optimal clarity after PRK.. Similar to LASIK, most patients see better than 20/20 after PRK; it simply takes a bit longer.
WHAT CAN I DO TO SPEED UP HEALING AFTER PRK?
DOES IT HURT?
HOW MUCH WILL MY PROCEDURE COST?
WILL I STILL HAVE TO WEAR GLASSES?
Our goal is to get you out of glasses completely. That is why we offer our 20/20 or it’s FREE commitment – if you aren’t seeing 20/20 or better after your procedure, we will refund your entire procedure cost.
WHAT IF MY DOCTOR HAS TOLD ME I’M NOT A CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?
WHICH PROCEDURE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Overwhelmed with research? Our Patient Care Coordinators are ready to help you navigate all your options. Give us a call at 405-722-2020. Prefer to research on your own? Take a quick SELF TEST to find out which procedure might be the best for you.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS? ARE PRK PROCEDURES SAFE?
WHAT DOES THE 20/20 COMMITMENT REALLY MEAN?
Our 20/20 Money Back Commitment means that if you have 20/20 vision with your glasses or contacts, we’ll help you achieve 20/20 vision without them after your procedure with us. If not, we’ll refund your fee in full. This Money Back Commitment exists to assure you that you’ll achieve the vision you want. This commitment is offered on all LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and EVO Visian ICL procedures performed at ClearSight. See our written vision plans for full details.
