ASA, PRK, or LASIK, Which is Least Invasive?

ASA is a fancy way of describing PRK, which is a surface based procedure which reshapes the cornea with the excimer laser. LASIK does the same reshaping, however it is done under a FLAP which is created in the first step of the procedure, usually (and way less invasively i would add) with a laser. So, to answer this question, PRK is less invasive, but the healing time is longer and more involved. While LASIK may be more invasive, it is still incredibly safe when... more

LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea and then, reshaping the cornea while photorefractive keratectomy, PRK and advanced surface ablation, ASA involve only the recontouring part. These procedures are performed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and often result in excellent uncorrected acuity. In the U.S., the Navy has approved the LASIK procedure. Nonetheless, the shape of the cornea changes after... more