 |
 |
 |
How is ASLA different from PRKWhat is ASLA (also known as LASEK)? How is ASLA different from PRK?Both PRK and ASLA are achieved using the same excimer laser, and are both performed on the front surface of the corneal stroma (the thick middle layer of the cornea) after the surface layer (the epithelium) has been removed. The key difference between ASLA and PRK is that during the PRK procedure the epithelium is scrubbed away and allowed to re-grow over four to five days. During the ASLA procedure the epithelium is loosened, gently removed and kept during the laser procedure so it can be replaced afterwards. The epithelium is covered by a protective contact lens for four days while the epithelium re-bonds to the corneal stroma. Unlike PRK in which the epithelium is completely removed leaving the stroma relatively unprotected, during ASLA the epithelium is kept thus shielding the stroma and significantly reducing the risk of pain and corneal scarring. ASLA is more surgeon dependent than PRK and requires greater training, skill and experience. This explains the reluctance of some surgeons to change techniques. It is important to select a surgeon who has considerable experience in the ASLA procedure. Dr Rick Wolfe is one of Australia's most experienced ASLA surgeons and recommends ASLA for appropriate patients. "While PRK is effective," he says. "Safety is the most important attribute of any surgical procedure, so I choose ASLA." Dr Wolfe was one of the first to perform ASLA in Victoria and is recognised world-wide for his skills in performing this procedure. In 2004 he was invited to demonstrate ASLA before 2000 of his peers at a refractive eye surgeons conference in the USA. The sophisticated nature of the LADARVision® excimer laser allows ASLA to be performed on a wide range of refractive conditions including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and mixed astigmatism. |
