ASLA/PRK

ASLA (Advanced Surface Laser Ablation) is a procedure that only involves using an excimer laser, and is similar to how laser vision correction was first performed. Sometimes known as PRK, no flap is created, and the laser is used directly on the cornea.

So, why would a surgeon choose ASLA over LASIK? It depends on several factors – for example, if someone has thin corneas, we would deem it safer not to create a flap using the femtosecond laser, and simply apply the excimer laser to the cornea. The result is the same as with LASIK, however, recovery time is longer and the patient will experience discomfort for a while.