What is Advanced Surface Ablation Procedures
There a few different types of LASIK surgery in Singapore. One of them is called the Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), which represents a group of refractive eye surgery methods that uses the principle of no-flap surgeries. So why does this “no-flap” matter so much?
Even though cornea flaps work well for the conventional LASIK procedures and are generally a safe procedure, creating the flap in the first place leads to the possibility of having flap related complications. For example, corneal flap dislodgement which could be caused by an impact to the eye.
There are many types of ASA procedures. What differentiates one type from another is the way it deals with the epithelium layer, which is the most outer layer of your cornea. Common Advanced Surface Ablation procedures in Singapore are PRK, TransPRK, and Epi-LASIK. Here’s a closer look.
1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Just like all ASA procedures, PRK implements a no-flap approach in its vision correction surgery. In PRK, the eye surgeon will soften the epithelium layer with a special alcohol solution. Once soften, the surgeon will then manually remove the epithelium in the cornea using a surgical instrument. After that, your surgeon will work on your cornea using an excimer laser.
2. Epi-LASIK (Epithelial Laser in situ Keratomileusis)
Epi-LASIK is another alternative amongst the ASA group. Epi-LASIK uses an epithelium separator to ablates epithelium layer. Next, an excimer laser will be used to reshape the cornea.
3. TransPRK
In TransPRK, everything is done using a laser, from the removal of the epithelium layer to the reshaping of the cornea. Laser means greater precision and accuracy. The laser also means that this procedure both uses a no-flap and no-blade approach in the process. Similarly to PRK, the approach of TransPRK is to remove a certain portion of the epithelium to expose the cornea, so that it can be reshaped with an excimer laser.
Advantages of Advanced Surface Ablation Procedures
The biggest advantage in ASA procedures compared to LASIK procedures is its no flap approach. No-flap means zero risks of flap related complications. It also means that it is more suitable for ASA patients to engage in contact sports and other activities with high physical impact later on after the recovery process. For example, TransPRK is a great choice for professional athletes and martial artist.
Overall, ASA procedures are safe and effective to correct your vision. LASEK, for example, is known to have fewer eye issues for patients, less surgical risks and less post-op side effects. For those of you who are not eligible for a LASIK surgery, this group provides great alternatives to consider.
Disadvantages of Advanced Surface Ablation Procedures
Compared to LASIK the surgical process and recovery of ASA surgeries are generally longer and more uncomfortable. The epithelium itself is expected to grow back on its own and heal naturally around 4-5 days. Then, the full recovery will take around 3-6 months, depending on each patient’s eye and overall condition.
Costs of AdvancedSurfaceAblationProceduresin Singapore
The price of LASIK in Singapore is around $3,000 to $5,000, depend on the type of LASIK procedure you choose as well as the clinic. Usually, a LASIK clinic in Singapore does provide an instalment plan to ease the cost. Do check with the LASIK clinic of your choice if they have instalment plan available.
