Advanced surface ablation (ASA) surgery is a type of refractive surgery that aids in the correction of common vision concerns such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The aim of ASA surgery is similar to LASIK, which is to reduce spectacle or contact lens dependency in patients.
In both LASIK and advanced surface ablation surgery (ASA surgery), the cornea is reshaped with the use of an excimer laser. The main difference between the two surgical procedures lies in the fact that in LASIK surgery, a corneal flap is created first, using a microkeratome blade or femtosecond laser, before the excimer laser is applied. In ASA surgery, no corneal flap is created. Instead, the most superficial layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed, and the excimer laser is then applied to the cornea.
TYPES OF ADVANCED SURFACE ABLATION SURGERIES
The following ASA surgeries use a laser to reshape the cornea. By doing so, these surgeries allow light to focus on the retina, thereby helping patients achieve clear vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): With PRK, the top layer on the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is removed with a blunt instrument.
LASEK (Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis): With LASEK, the surface layer of the cornea is loosened with a chemical and pushed to a side before reshaping it.
Epi-LASIK (Epithelial Laser In Situ Keratomileusis): With Epi-LASIK, the surface of the cornea is lifted with a special equipment before the excimer laser is used to shape the cornea.
TransPRK: In TransPRK, the surface of the cornea is removed using a laser and then, the cornea shape is changed with the same laser.
WHY CONSIDER ADVANCED SURFACE ABLATION SURGERY?
Reduced Corneal Thinning: ASA requires no corneal flap; therefore, there is no corneal thinning experienced after the procedure. This makes ASA a much more suitable vision correction procedure for patients diagnosed with a higher degree of myopia or patients taking part in contact sports.
No Flap Related Complications: ASA avoids stromal flap complications (such as dislodged, or buttonholed) that can possibly occur in LASIK, ensuring a smooth healing process.
Reduced Inflammation and Infections: ASA has a lower risk of interface-related inflammation or infection, providing easier and more direct treatment options (antibiotic drops).
Reduced Dry Eye: As ASA preserves the deeper corneal nerves, ASA reduces the likelihood of dry eyes compared to LASIK.
Safe Guards Vision Quality: ASA prevents striae-induced irregular astigmatism, safeguarding vision quality.
Rapid Epithelium Healing: With ASA, the epithelium grows rapidly on the cornea’s surface, aiding swift recovery.
As with all surgical procedures, your candidacy for Advanced Surface Ablation surgery needs to be determined by a qualified senior consultant ophthalmologist. ASA is considered a more beneficial surgical procedure for patients with a higher risk of eye trauma, with dry eyes or those with thinner corneas.
ASA SURGERY WITH ADVANCED EYE CLINIC & SURGERY
Experience the benefits of Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) at Advanced Eye Clinic & Surgery in Singapore. Let our senior consultant ophthalmologists help you take the first step towards clearer vision. Schedule a consultation with our skilled team to discuss how ASA can be the right option for your vision needs. Don’t miss out on a life with improved vision — reach out today and discover the difference ASA can make for you.