He saw them now [as] they really were

The protagonist, Philip, came to Paris to become a painter.
He goes to the studio Amitrano.
He came to a nightclub with one of his colleagues.
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Philip leaned over the rail, staring down, and he ceased to hear the music. They danced furiously. They danced round the room, slowly, talking very little, with all their attention given to the dance. The room was hot, and their faces shone with sweat. it seemed to Philip that they had thrown off the guard which people wear on their expression, the homage to convention, and he saw them now as they really were.
[Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham]
I'd like to know if "as" means "in the way which."
Thank you in advance for your help.