Advanced Surface Laser (ASL)

If you have short sightedness (myopia), long sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, some kind of correction is needed to enable you to see more clearly. Ordinarily this correction is achieved through prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Advanced Surface Laser, however, can permanently reshape the corneal curvature of the eye, thereby correcting refractive errors and alleviating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Advanced Surface Laser is normally abbreviated as ASL and is also known as PRK or Trans PRK or ASLA.

Procedure

The Advanced Surface Laser procedure involves the gentle exfoliation of the epithelium.  Once the epithelial layer of tissue has been gently removed, the surgeon then uses a state-of-the-art laser, which concentrates a ‘cool’ ultraviolet light beam and high-energy pulses on the cornea. The laser removes a microscopic amount of stromal tissue, calculated on the pre-operative analysis and determination of the power of your eye. The procedure enables the contour of the cornea to be reshaped in less than one minute.

Unlike LASIK, there is no incision or flap created in the cornea with ASL.

After the cornea of the eye has been re-contoured, clear contact lenses are used to reduce discomfort during the healing of the epithelium and provide protection for the eye. The contact lenses are usually removed 3-4 days after surgery at your first post-operative assessment. Your Ophthalmologist or Surgeon is able to provide the necessary medication to minimise any discomfort during your recovery.

Benefits of ASL

There are numerous potential benefits of undergoing laser eye surgery, such as freedom from prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Advanced Surface Laser is a safe and effective procedure, performed in the comfort and convenience of our surgical theatre in less than 20 minutes.

The primary advantage of Advanced Surface Laser is that no incision or flap is made into the surface of the eye.  As a result, the strength and endurance of the stromal tissue remains uncompromised. An additional benefit extends to military personnel, pilots and other professionals who are unable to undergo LASIK. In extreme circumstances, the corneal flap created in LASIK can become unstuck and cause potential damage to the eye.  As ASL does not require an incision in the cornea, it is the preferred method for some.

In addition to practical or aesthetic reasons for undergoing the procedure, there are also significant long-term financial benefits, when taking into account the ongoing costs of purchasing contact lenses, lens solution and lubricating eye drops, not to mention the cost of frames and lenses (which can be as much as $1,000 in some cases).

Before considering ASL, the experienced practitioners at the Sydney Eye Clinic will conduct a thorough examination of your eye to determine whether you are suitable for laser eye surgery.

Please contact the Sydney Eye Clinic today or call 1300 128 114 to arrange a free consultation appointment today.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, feel free to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.