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ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation)

The ASLA technique is used when the LASIK procedure is considered unsuitable for a particular patient, for example, if the cornea is too thin or if the corneal topography is irregular or if the corneal surface layer (the epithelium) is unstable. ASLA can be used for correction of myopia or astigmatism, but it is not used for correcting hypermetropia.

Description of the procedure

The ASLA 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.