The excimer laser was first developed in 1976, but was not used for refractive surgery until 1988. Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), formerly known as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), has been the most extensively studied eye surgical procedure, and ultimately received FDA approval in late 1995 for the treatment of nearsightedness. This laser can also correct astigmatism and farsightedness. Accurate to approximately one-millionth of an inch, the computer driven excimer laser precisely removes surface tissue to reshape cornea.

ASA takes only about 5 minutes to perform and is painless. A bandage contact lens is worn the first few days following the procedure until the corneal surface heals. During this period there may be some pain or mild discomfort and blurred vision. Most patients are seeing well without glasses or contacts after just a few days and are ready to return to a normal lifestyle.