While LASIK surgery can has improved the eyesight of millions of people in North America alone, the process has been known to weaken and thin the cornea. In order to counteract this problem, Bense Vision offer iLASIK XTRA, a Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking. This is a surgical procedure that strengthens the cornea after LASIK.
The cornea is strengthened during LASIK-XTRA with a cross-linking treatment. After LASIK, the cornea is thinned because the excimer laser used during the procedure removes tissue. During Custom or Standard LASIK procedures, the blade may also create a thicker flap than other blade-free procedures.
In a small percentage of cases, the cornea may bulge forward or become distorted. This condition is called corneal ectasis, or keratoconus.
Who is a Candidate?
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for iLASIK XTRA is to meet with a qualified eye surgeon to get a professional opinion. Prime candidates for this procedure include patients in the following categories:
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Unexpected amount of new astigmatis
- Poor LASIK candidates
- Myopia (Nearsightedness) over -5D
- Younger than age 23
- Other unusual topography features
If you aren’t sure if you fit into one of these categories, you may want to schedule an appointment with Bense Vision Clinic to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
When is LASIK-XTRA Used?
Patients with a likelihood of a thinning cornea after a LASIK procedure may benefit from an additional treatment. This also includes those with thin corneas even before surgery or cases of high spectacle power. Those who are given the additional treatment are less likely to regress as they age because the additional treatment works to lock in the effects of the original LASIK procedure.
The Corneal Cross Linking Treatment only adds around two minutes to the original LASIK or PRK procedure, and can strengthen the cornea to restore it to its previous strength. Bense Vision Clinic uses the Avedro KXL Accelerated Cross-Linking system with all of our patients.
Here at Bense Vision Clinic, we use this additional treatment for patients with several conditions.
- Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
- Post-Laser Refractive Surgery Ectasia
- Keratoconus
- Bacterial Keratitis (infective Corneal Ulcerations)
- Cornea thinning disorders
Increased Chances of Success
If your corneas are thin naturally, or you are expected to deal with serious thinning of the cornea after LASIK, consult with your doctor about the additional treatment. LASIK-XTRA can repair your corneas after LASIK surgery and increase your chances of long-term success. At Bense Vision Clinic, we’re committed to offering our patients all the tools they need to regain their perfect vision.
