Advanced Surface Laser Ablation Sydney

If you are suffering from myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, corrective eyewear such as prescription glasses or contact lenses may be necessary for improved vision.

Advanced Surface Laser Ablation (ASLA) technology can permanently reshape the curvature of the cornea, which can correct refractive errors and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Most vision correction procedures today are either LASIK or SMILE. However, ASLA remains an important option for patients with particular vision correction needs. Each of these procedures has its own advantages and may be more suitable for certain individuals.

If you would like to find out more about Advanced Surface Laser Ablation Sydney, contact Vision Clinic Sydney for more information.

Woman looking up with an eyeglasses

ASLA procedure customises vision correction and eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses

What is Advanced Surface Laser Ablation?

Advanced Surface Laser Ablation (ASLA) uses an excimer laser to treat a small amount (about 5 to 30 percent) of the cornea. Instead of creating a flap in the cornea with a laser, this method preserves the strength of the cornea.

During the ASLA procedure, the surgeon also has great control over the location and amount of tissue being removed, allowing patients to enjoy a highly accurate treatment.

The ASLA method involves gently sculpting the cornea rather than cutting, allowing your surgeon to treat greater degrees of nearsightedness, as well as farsightedness and astigmatism.

Up to 95 percent of patients with a correction of up to -6.00 diopters achieved vision of 6/7.5 or better after ASLA, with up to 90 percent achieving 6/6.

Before LASIK was available, PRK (an earlier form of surface ablation) was the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. LASIK brought about several advantages over PRK, including less discomfort and faster results, but ASLA is still preferred for patients with thin corneas.

The ASLA procedure takes less than a minute to complete and is performed with only anaesthetic eye drops.

Benefits of ASLA eye surgery

There are several benefits to having this treatment which include:

 

  • Freedom from glasses or contact lenses
  • Minimally invasive
  • Faster recovery time
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Advanced Surface Ablation Surgery Cost

The cost of ASLA may be dependent on the severity of the condition. After a full consultation with Dr Kumar, you will be provided with a detailed quotation.

Please contact us directly or book a consultation to find out more about our prices.

Vision Clinic Sydney

Vision Clinic Sydney ophthalmologists can help with ASLA surgery. We can provide a comprehensive eye examination to determine the degree of the condition and the best course of treatment.
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Meet Dr Kumar

Dr Nikhil Kumar has always had a strong interest in the intricate workings of the eye, which has driven him to become an ophthalmologist. After obtaining his medical degree from the University of Newcastle in 1998, he furthered his studies in ophthalmology at the Sydney Eye Hospital, and finally completed his specialisation there in 2008. He is an experienced practitioner in the fields of cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation and laser vision correction.

How to book an appointment

In order to receive a Medicare rebate for the initial consultation and any relevant tests/procedures at the clinic, you must have a referral letter from your regular doctor or eye specialist.

If you do not have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate.

You can download the referral PDF form or submit it online.

Please bring:

  • Any prescription glasses that you wear
  • Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
  • A list of current medications and details of your medical history
  • If you have your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card.

Our location in Sydney

We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Advanced Surface Laser Ablation Candidates for Advanced Surface Ablation

Candidates for Advanced Surface Ablation

Similar to LASIK, there are certain requirements that patients must meet in order to undergo the ASLA procedure. This procedure is ideal for patients who:

 

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a stable eye prescription
  • Have no major health issues
  • Seek to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism

Many patients choose to undergo ASLA because they do not qualify for LASIK, whether they have corneas that are too thin or have problems with eye pressure or a corneal dystrophy.

ASLA takes about 20 minutes to perform and is done on an outpatient basis using only anaesthetic eye drops. During the procedure, Dr. Kumar will first remove the surface layer of the eye (epithelium). This can be done with a solution of diluted alcohol that gently loosens the epithelium so that it can be removed or pushed to the side.

 

Once the epithelium is removed, the cornea is then carefully reshaped with a laser to correct vision. The advanced laser used during this procedure customizes vision correction for each individual patient to ensure successful results. A bandage contact lens is then placed over the eye to promote proper healing.

Candidates for Advanced Surface Ablation

Advanced Surface Laser Ablation Candidates for Advanced Surface Ablation

Similar to LASIK, there are certain requirements that patients must meet in order to undergo the ASLA procedure. This procedure is ideal for patients who:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a stable eye prescription
  • Have no major health issues
  • Seek to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism

Many patients choose to undergo ASLA because they do not qualify for LASIK, whether they have corneas that are too thin or have problems with eye pressure or a corneal dystrophy.

ASLA takes about 20 minutes to perform and is done on an outpatient basis using only anaesthetic eye drops. During the procedure, Dr. Kumar will first remove the surface layer of the eye (epithelium). This can be done with a solution of diluted alcohol that gently loosens the epithelium so that it can be removed or pushed to the side.

Once the epithelium is removed, the cornea is then carefully reshaped with a laser to correct vision. The advanced laser used during this procedure customizes vision correction for each individual patient to ensure successful results. A bandage contact lens is then placed over the eye to promote proper healing.

Recovery from Advanced Surface Ablation

After the ASLA procedure, patients will be able to go home after a few hours, although someone will need to drive you home. The bandage contact lens will be worn for three to four days. Eye drops will be prescribed to prevent infection and keep the eyes moisturised. In many cases, patients can return to work the next day, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week.

Patients will notice an improvement in vision within the first few days after surgery, with full results gradually developing over the course of six months.

Results of Advanced
Surface Laser Ablation

The results of ASLA are comparable to LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures. 

 

To learn more about ASLA and to find out whether or not this procedure is right for you, please call us today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find our most commonly asked questions:
Advanced Surface Laser (ASLA) is not the same as LASIK or SMILE. ASLA is a refractive procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, while LASIK is a more complex procedure that involves reshaping the cornea with a laser and making a flap in the cornea to access the underlying tissue to correct vision.
Advanced surface ablation can be uncomfortable for some people, but it is generally not considered to be a painful procedure. Topical anaesthesia may be applied to the treatment area to help reduce discomfort.
Advanced surface ablation (ASLA) is a non-invasive ophthalmology procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. It is used to correct various refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser is used to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea, which changes its shape and helps to improve vision.
Yes – ASLA is one of the laser vision correction procedures. ASLA stands for Advanced Surface Laser Ablation, which is a type of corneal reshaping surgery that uses a laser to correct the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an earlier form of Advanced Surface Laser Ablation (ASLA). PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the surface of the cornea to correct refractive errors.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

Concerned About Your Vision?

 Our friendly staff can talk to you about your vision issues and arrange the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment. Take advantage of our complimentary vision assessment to see how we can make it happen for you.

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