LASIK-Xtra™ – iLASIK™ combined with Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (KXL)
LASIK Xtra is a dual treatment procedure that combines the refractive error correcting LASIK procedure, with a Corneal Cross-Linking procedure.
What is Corneal Cross Linking (KXL)
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (KXL) is a surgical procedure used to strengthen a weakened cornea. Typically, this procedure was only used in patients experiencing weakened corneas, a condition referred to as Keratoconus. Now, KXL is often offered along with LASIK for patients who without KXL, would be considered poor LASIK candidates.
During LASIK, the cornea becomes slightly thinner. This is a fundamental result of the procedure, as the visual correction that you experience is due to the removal, and thus reshaping, of the cornea. This effect is more common when higher degrees of spectacle power are treated.
In a small percentage of cases, this thinning causes the cornea to bulge forwards and become distorted in a condition called corneal ectasia (keratoconus).
Am I A Candidate?
Typical qualifying criteria includes:
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Patients under 23 years of age Myopia over -5D (Nearsightedness) Unexpected amount of ‘new’ astigmatis Patients labeled before as being poor LASIK candidate Any unusual topography featuresLASIK-Xtra is useful in cases where a very thin cornea is expected after the LASIK procedure. This would include cases of high spectacle power, and in patients with naturally thin corneas before surgery. LASIK-Xtra also tends to ‘lock’ in the treatment, so that clients do not regress in later years. This is especially important in clients with farsightedness and astigmatism.
2 Minutes for Stronger Eyes
KXL typically only adds about 2 minutes to your LASIK or PRK procedure, and will return your cornea to its original pre-LASIK strength.
The KXL equipment we operate on at Bense Vision uses some of the most advanced cross-linking technology available, the Avedro KXL Accelerated Cross-Linking system.
Other uses
At Bense Vision we effectively use KXL to treat several corneal conditions. Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, and Post-laser Refractive Surgery Ectasia are typically the most common. Other conditions include infective Corneal Ulcerations (bacterial keratitis) and corneal thinning disorders.
Do all LASIK patients need KXL?
Absolutely not. Although KXL would not harm patients eyes, KXL is generally unnecessary for patients who do not have certain qualifying characteristics. Typically, if your prescription is better than -5D, and you have a regular corneal thickness, to begin with, the KXL treatment will provide a very marginal benefit.
Why Choose Bense
At Bense Vision, we are committed to providing you with the ocular service that will maximize your positive visual result. Our caring and welcoming staff will answer any questions you may have, ensuring you can make an informed and educated decision. Some other reasons to choose Bense for your LASIK-Xtra procedure include:
- LASIK Touch-Up Policy
- Experienced Team
- Industry Leading Technology
If you’ve been turned away from LASIK before in the past, LASIK-Xtra may finally allow you to become an acceptable candidate. If you’d like to learn more about LASIK, and how the LASIK-Xtra procedure is allowing more people to take advantage of this amazing procedure, please contact us. We’d be happy to chat with you further.
