What’s the Safest Alternative to LASIK in 2025?

By Craig Moskowitz, MD

I’m guessing it won’t surprise you that the clear and obvious answer to that question is glasses.

But that’s not what brought you here!

If you’re looking for freedom from glasses and contact lenses but you’re worried about the many controversies about LASIK safety – there is a better way.

For decades, LASIK has been the go-to elective laser eye surgery for people seeking to end their dependency on contacts and prescription glasses. But when you look past the hype and the marketing, you’ll find a different procedure that is 10x safer than LASIK – an alternative that dramatically reduces long-term complications associated with LASIK.

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is the safest surgical alternative for vision correction, surpassing LASIK, SMILE, and even PRK in terms of safety and long-term outcomes.

Why ASA is the Best Alternative to LASIK

Unlike LASIK and SMILE, ASA is a no-cut procedure.

While LASIK requires the creation of a corneal flap and SMILE involves a small incision to extract corneal tissue, ASA avoids cutting into the cornea altogether.

Instead, it gently reshapes the corneal surface using advanced laser technology, reducing the likelihood of chronic dry eyes common to LASIK (95% of patients experience dry eyes immediately after LASIK surgery, and about 40% experience dry eyes for more than six months. Wondering why LASIK causes dry eyes? Click here).

Another common long-term problem with LASIK is night vision disturbances, such as glare, halos, and starbursts around lights, particularly in low-light conditions. ASA provides a smoother corneal surface without the irregularities that contribute to these visual distortions, leading to clearer night vision and fewer unwanted side effects.

ASA also outright eliminates the risk of flap displacement and other issues that emerge because of the flap cut in LASIK surgery. Studies show that flap-related complications, such as epithelial ingrowth or dislocation, affect a small percentage of LASIK patients – but for those affected, the consequences can be serious. ASA eliminates this risk, making it the best alternative to LASIK for those placing a premium on safety.

What’s the Difference between PRK Surgery & ASA?

ASA is often compared to PRK since both are surface-based procedures.

ASA and PRK are indeed both forms of surface ablation that do not involve creating a corneal flap. For this reason, both are significantly safer than LASIK.

However, ASA represents a refined and improved version of PRK, offering a better patient experience. Traditional PRK requires mechanical removal of the corneal epithelium, which can lead to significant discomfort and a longer healing process. ASA, on the other hand, uses advanced techniques and gentler epithelial removal methods, reducing post-operative pain and accelerating recovery time.

At Moskowitz Eye Care, we never use alcohol or a blade to treat the epithelium, resulting in less pain and reducing potential complications.

Another key difference lies in healing and vision clarity. While both procedures require a few days for the epithelium to regenerate, ASA with Dr. Moskowitz comes with improved post-operative care protocols to minimize discomfort and speed up visual recovery. Patients undergoing ASA tend to experience clearer vision sooner compared to those who opt for traditional PRK.

Who is ASA Best For?

ASA is ideal for anyone who wants the safest vision correction procedure available. It’s especially beneficial for:

• People with thin corneas, who may be at higher risk for complications with LASIK or SMILE.

• Individuals prone to dry eye syndrome, as ASA preserves more corneal nerves than LASIK.

• Athletes and those with active lifestyles, where flap-related injuries from LASIK could pose a risk.

• Patients seeking long-term corneal health, as ASA maintains the eye’s natural structure better than flap-based surgeries.

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Are You a Good Candidate?

• Age

  You’re between 18 and 50 years old.

• Prescription

  In general, these are the prescription limits I accept for ASA surgery at Moskowitz Eye Care:

  • Nearsightedness: up to -8.00 diopters

  • Farsightedness: up to +3.00 diopters

  • Astigmatism: up to 6 diopters

  Additionally, to have ASA surgery, your eye prescription needs to have changed no more than .5 Diopters for at least 12 months. A consistent prescription means your refractive errors are stable, and you’ll have good long-term results.

• Eye Health

  If your eyes are in good health and you don’t have a condition like Keratoconus or a cataract, you’re likely a candidate for laser eye surgery. If testing shows that your cornea has enough healthy tissue and is regular and symmetrical in steepness and shape, ASA remains on the table.

• Previous LASIK?

  We are contacted by many people who have previously had LASIK Surgery who would like to know if ASA can correct issues from their initial procedure.

  Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely in most cases.

• Other Considerations

  • You don’t have other high-risk health factors

  • You don’t have auto-immune disease

  • You’re not pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next six months

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Real Patient Experiences

The Bottom Line: ASA is the Future of Safe Vision Correction

If you’re considering vision correction surgery in 2025, ASA stands out as the safest option. With no corneal flap, lower dry eye risk, and a proven track record of long-term safety, it’s the best choice for anyone prioritizing eye health.

When it comes to your vision, safety should always come first. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Moskowitz to find out if ASA is right for you.