PRK vs TransPRK vs ASA: What’s in a Name?
If you have been reading about laser vision correction, you may have seen PRK, TransPRK, ASA (advanced surface ablation), ASLA, LASEK or “surface laser / no-flap laser” used as if they were completely different operations, sometimes with one labelled “newer” or “premium”.
The short answer: for what matters to your vision, these names mostly describe the same family of surface treatment. The thin outer skin of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed, an excimer laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and no flap is cut. The prescription-correcting laser step is the same idea across the names. What varies is how the surface layer is taken off.
This page explains the vocabulary, so clinic websites make more sense. It is not a case for choosing one procedure over another.
As always, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Dr Moorthy will discuss them with you at your assessment.
What PRK means
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. It was one of the earliest laser vision correction techniques, and modern versions of it are still used today.
In outline:
- The central epithelium is removed
- An excimer laser reshapes the cornea for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and/or astigmatism (when suitable)
- A bandage contact lens protects the surface while the epithelium regrows over several days
Because no flap is created, PRK and its cousins are called surface ablation or surface laser.
What ASA means
ASA (advanced surface ablation), called ASLA (advanced surface laser ablation) in the Australian market, is an umbrella label, not a separate patented operation. It grew as lasers and epithelial-removal techniques evolved. Under that umbrella you may see:
| Name | How epithelium is typically handled | Flap? |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional PRK | Surgeon removes the epithelium with an instrument or after dilute alcohol | No |
| LASEK | Epithelium loosened, moved aside, sometimes replaced | No |
| Epi-LASIK | Epithelium separated with a blunt device | No |
| TransPRK | Laser removes epithelium in the same continuous treatment | No |
| ASA / ASLA | Umbrella term for the above | No |
“Advanced” usually refers to modern laser platforms (eye tracking, refined ablation patterns). It is not proof that ASA is a different operation from modern PRK. If ASA is described as a premium procedure that is different from PRK, keep in mind that the laser still reshapes the surface without a flap.
What TransPRK means
TransPRK (transepithelial PRK) is PRK in which the laser removes the epithelium as well as reshaping the stroma, often in one continuous step. Some platforms brand their version (clinic marketing names vary). The prescription-correcting ablation is still surface laser.
Neither TransPRK nor conventional PRK is “better for everyone”. Meta-analyses in the literature have reported similar accuracy and haze rates overall, with some series suggesting faster early epithelial healing after TransPRK. Results vary, and randomised evidence is limited. Mitomycin C use, haze risk and comfort are clinical decisions made after measurements, not something a naming blog can settle.
Why surface laser is sometimes discussed at all
Surface treatments leave more of the cornea’s deeper tissue untouched because no flap is cut. That can matter for selected eyes with thinner or more borderline corneas, or for people in jobs or sports where flap dislocation risk is a counselling point.
Trade-off: early comfort and clarity after surface laser are usually slower than after LASIK or SMILE PRO. Useful vision often takes about a week, so published guidance suggests planning leave if your work is visually demanding. Sharpness keeps improving after that. It’s always individual.
Comfort during treatment: numbing drops. Most people describe a slight pressure. The first few days after surface laser are often uncomfortable: scratchy, watery and light-sensitive while the epithelium closes. Your team plans drops and a bandage lens with this in mind.
EyeHub’s position
At EyeHub, our main laser procedures are:
- LASIK
- SMILE PRO (the newer version of SMILE, with a shorter laser time)
- PRESBYOND
PRK may be discussed only on a very selective, case-by-case basis when Dr Moorthy judges it the safer or more suitable option after assessment.
We don’t publish a PRK fee on this page. If PRK is suitable for you, the team will give you a written quote.
RLE and ICL (separate procedures):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| RLE or ICL surgeon’s fee | $3,500* per eye |
| RLE or ICL hospital and anaesthetic fees | On top, confirmed at the time of surgery |
| RLE approximate total, both eyes | About $12,500 to $13,000 (may vary by hospital and anaesthetist) |
| ICL approximate total, both eyes | About $14,000 (may vary by hospital and anaesthetist) |
*Prices are subject to change without notice.
How your surgeon chooses (when surface laser is even on the table)
Measurements drive the recommendation: prescription size and type, corneal thickness and shape, ocular surface, prior surgery, occupation and sport. You do not need to self-select “TransPRK vs ASA” from a brochure. If surface laser is not the right selective choice, EyeHub will say so and discuss LASIK, SMILE PRO, PRESBYOND, ICL or lens-based options instead.
Risks (overview)
Surface laser has a long track record, but risks include several days of discomfort, slower early visual recovery than flap or lenticule procedures, haze (uncommon; usually fades), infection (rare), under- or over-correction, dry eye, glare/halos (often temporary), and recurrent epithelial erosion in some eyes. Material risks for your eyes are covered at consent. Enhancements, where discussed on laser procedures, are subject to assessment.
FAQs
Is ASA the same as PRK?
In practice, yes. ASA is an umbrella name for modern surface ablation, including PRK variations. It isn’t a different kind of laser treatment.
Is TransPRK better than PRK?
Not overall for every eye. It changes how the epithelium is removed. Your surgeon chooses technique if surface laser is indicated at all.
Does EyeHub push PRK?
No. PRK is selective and case-by-case only. Our main laser options are LASIK, SMILE PRO and PRESBYOND.
How much does PRK cost at EyeHub?
We don’t publish a PRK fee here. If PRK suits your eyes, you’ll get a written quote after assessment.
Why might someone hear about PRK instead of LASIK?
Usually for cornea safety or flap-related lifestyle reasons in selected eyes, never because a name sounds newer.
Next step
If naming confusion is getting in the way of a clear decision, book an assessment or email laser@eyehub.net.au. We’ll measure your eyes and recommend a procedure, starting from what’s suitable, not from a marketing label. You can also call our laser coordinators on 1800 EYEHUB.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
