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Advanced Surface Treatment(AST)
AST (advanced surface treatment) allows Dr. Mang to reshape the cornea without creating a LASIK flap. Dr. Mang recommends AST for all patients who qualify.
Introduced in 2000 by the inventor of LASIK, AST combines the best features of LASEK and PRK while treating higher-order aberrations (e.g. haze and halos) and reducing complications such as dry eye, loss of nerve sensitivity, post-operative pain, vision regression and continued need for eyewear.
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 AST vs. Laser Vision Correction:
A note from Dr. Mang
You might be wondering why anyone would have the standard LASIK instead of AST. One reason is that LASIK has a faster recovery time. Also, some patients don't mind if the cornea is slightly weakened. In addition, AST produces some discomfort which can take some time to go away. Standard LASIK may also be a more appropriate procedure for patients whose vision conditions are near the extremes of what AST can treat, or who have severe visual disorders.
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During the AST procedure, the surface layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is smoothly separated from the rest of the cornea using a blunt instrument called a epikeratome. LASIK, by contrast, cuts a deep flap in the cornea using a sharp microkeratome blade. This weakens the cornea, makes it difficult to replace the flap in precisely the right place, and can cause other complications including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. AST also offers an advantage over LASEK by preserving epithelial cells rather than damaging them with an alcohol solution.
Next, a laser reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve vision. The epithelial flap is then replaced and covered with a protective contact lens. You can go back to work the next day but shouldn't drive for at least two to three days. Full recovery can take up to three weeks, with vision gradually improving each day as the epithelium regrows and reshapes itself over the cornea in a natural healing process.
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