Advanced Surface Laser


Advanced Surface Laser procedures are sometimes described by the terms ASLA, ASL, PRK, LASEK, Nu-LASIK or Epi-LASIK.  This procedure involves lasering the surface of the cornea rather than creating a flap first, as is performed with LASIK.


At Vision Laser, this type of procedure is usually recommended if you have thin, irregular or an unstable cornea which means you are not suitable for LASIK.  The end visual result is the same as with LASIK, providing you with excellent vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.


The main difference between having Advanced Surface Laser and LASIK is the recovery from surgery, which is usually longer and more uncomfortable than with LASIK.


Advanced Surface Laser eye surgery can be used to correct short-sightedness and astigmatism and can sometimes be used for small degrees of long-sightedness.

Description of the procedure


The Advanced Surface Laser procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye:


  • The cornea is anaesthetised.

  • Anaesthetic drops are applied to the eye, and an eyelid holder is put in place to keep the eye from blinking. Additionally, anti-inflammation eyedrops are applied to the cornea in order to reduce the post-surgical reaction and discomfort.

  • The corneal epithelium layer is removed.

  • The front surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently lifted away from the rest of the cornea. This exposes the corneal 'bed' which is now ready to receive the energy from the laser beam.

  • The cornea is re-shaped by the laser.

  • The laser beam, consisting of UV energy, vapourises a pre-determined amount of tissue from the corneal bed, thus giving the cornea the new shape required to correct the eye's optical prescription. Then, the loose epithelium tissue can be placed back over the corneal bed.
  • A soft contact lens is applied.

  • The eye is fitted with a "band-aid" soft contact lens for added protection while the surface of the eye heals. Antibiotic eyedrops are also applied.

  • Anti-inflammation eyedrops are prescribed.

  • About 4 days after surgery, the contact lens is removed, and a course of mild anti-inflammation eyedrops is commenced.
  • The ASLA technique is similar to the PRK and LASEK techniques, but with some refinements to aid the recovery of the eye.

  • It is possible to have both eyes treated on the same day.



Post-op Visual Recovery


It can take 4 days or more for you to achieve useful vision.



Post-op Comfort


The eyes usually feel gritty and sore for about 2 days after surgery and, in some cases, they may even feel painful initially after the surgery.



Post-op Stabilisation of Prescription


Stabilisation takes about 1-2 months.



Post-op Corneal Haze


A mild haze may be present but this usually settles down after a few weeks.