LASIK Xtra is an add-on corneal strengthening procedure (cross-linking) that is performed during a LASIK surgery. During LASIK, an excimer laser corrects for LASIK errors by thinning the cornea. As a result, patients who have had higher degrees of spectacle power corrected have proportionately thinner corneas. On rare occasions, corneal ectasia (a condition where thin or weakened cornea may bulge forward) may occur. Given its ability to strengthen the cornea, LASIK Xtra is postulated to reduce the risk of corneal ectasia.
Riboflavin (a vitamin) and Dextran to stimulates the cross-linking of fibres within the cornea, making it stronger. Following the LASIK surgery, the Riboflavin solution is applied to the cornea and UV light is applied for about 1 minute.
The risks are essentially the same as they would be during LASIK.
No, they are typically still not suitable.
Everyone who is suitable for LASIK is generally suitable for LASIK Xtra. However, it is recommend for patients with thin corneas or higher degrees of myopia and astigmatism.
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