ASLA/PRK
The corneal surface layer, the epithelium, is freed and swept back (ASLA) or removed (PRK). The laser is then delivered to the uppermost surface of the cornea, reshaping it to the desired requirements.
The epithelium spreads back and adheres over 3-5 days. A contact lens is applied for 3 days to protect the surface and to minimise discomfort.
Visual recovery takes longer than LASIK and early post-operative discomfort is variable. The risks of LASIK flap cutting are absent.
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
Before your Excimer Laser refractive procedure
Careful measurements of your eyes are crucial to the success of the procedure. Soft contact lenses must be left out for one week prior to both measurement and surgery. Hard contact lenses must be left out for three weeks prior to measurement and surgery. A topographical map of your cornea will be scanned to optimize your treatment parameters.
How the procedure is done
Dress comfortably and bring a companion on the day of laser surgery. You must NOT drive yourself home immediately after the procedure. The treatment visit takes about one and a half hours, but the Excimer Laser application lasts only minutes. The procedure is painless under local anaesthetic eye drops. No injections are necessary.
You will be asked to lie on a bed looking up into the laser's centering light. A small lid speculum holds the eyelids against blinking and the laser is designed so that both the laser and the surgeon, rather than you, keep the eye centred during laser treatment. The laser beam can be stopped and restarted at any time during the treatment.
POST OPERATIVE PRK INSTRUCTIONS
DAY OF SURGERY
You will need to have someone to accompany you home following laser surgery. They are welcome to stay and watch the procedure if you wish.
- The entire visit lasts 60-90 minutes.
- Please do not wear eye make-up or strong perfume to the laser centre.
AFTER SURGERY
- It is recommended that eye make-up be avoided for one week after surgery.
- Following surgery you will be advised on how to care for your eye, and will be given a medication pack to use. Please ensure all medications are taken as directed.
- It is important to rest you eyes as much as possible during the first 24 hours.
- A shield is provided for you to wear at night, or when sleeping, during the first week following surgery.
- Do not rub or squeeze the eye for one week post laser surgery.
- Don't drive after surgery until you are accustomed to your changed vision, especially distance judgement (usually days).
- Fluctuating vision, glare sensitivity, and reading problems are common during the first few post-operative weeks.
- Sunglasses are recommended when outdoors for protection from glare, trauma, and extreme drying of the eyes.
- Vigorous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks and contact sports for the first month.
Post-op visits
These are requested by your doctor and generally occur at day three or four, two weeks and one month for treatment follow-up.
At six or twelve months to review long term stability of vision.
Additional visits are arranged whenever necessary.
