Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, to become thin and weak. As the condition progresses, the cornea can bulge outward into a cone-like shape, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
Without treatment, keratoconus can continue to worsen over time and potentially cause significant vision loss. Early treatment is important to help slow or stop the progression of the condition and protect long-term vision.
Denver Eye Surgeons now offers Epioxa® Corneal Cross-Linking, a new treatment designed to strengthen the cornea and help slow or stop the progression of keratoconus. Epioxa offers a different approach to corneal cross-linking by preserving the cornea’s outer layer, making it a non-invasive treatment option for eligible patients.
Epioxa (riboflavin 5′-phosphate ophthalmic solution) is the first and only FDA-approved epithelium-on corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus in adults and children ages 13 and older.
Corneal cross-linking is a treatment that strengthens the cornea to help prevent it from becoming weaker and more irregular over time. Epioxa uses prescription eye drops, oxygen, and ultraviolet (UV) light to strengthen the corneal tissue.
Unlike traditional epithelium-off corneal cross-linking, which requires removing the epithelium (the cornea’s thin outer layer), Epioxa preserves this protective layer throughout treatment.
This approach is designed to offer improved comfort and a shorter recovery time compared with treatments that remove the epithelium. Your eye doctor can help determine whether Epioxa is an appropriate option based on your individual needs.
Epioxa is performed in the office by your eye doctor, treating one eye at a time. The procedure uses three main steps:
Your doctor applies the prescribed Epioxa eye drops to the treated eye for several minutes to prepare the cornea for treatment.
Your doctor places specialized Boost Goggles® over the eye and begins delivering oxygen. The oxygen works alongside the eye drops to support the corneal cross-linking process.
A specialized light source delivers UV light that works with the eye drops and oxygen to strengthen the cornea. This process helps reinforce the corneal tissue and is intended to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.
After your procedure, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity to light in the treated eye. Your doctor will provide instructions to help you recover comfortably.
Following treatment, you should:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden decrease in vision.
Because Epioxa is performed one eye at a time, your doctor will determine when the second eye can be treated, if needed. Some patients may be eligible to have their second eye treated as early as one week after the first procedure.
Epioxa is FDA-approved for the treatment of keratoconus in adults and pediatric patients ages 13 and older. However, eligibility for treatment depends on your individual eye health and clinical needs.
If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or have noticed changes in your vision, an evaluation with an eye care professional can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Early intervention is important because keratoconus can continue to progress and cause increasingly distorted vision. In severe cases, untreated keratoconus can lead to substantial vision loss.
Insurance coverage for Epioxa varies by plan. Some eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 out of pocket, depending on their coverage and eligibility.
Contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits and potential costs. Your care team can also help you understand the next steps for exploring treatment.
Living with keratoconus can affect your vision and everyday activities, but treatment may help slow or stop the condition from progressing.
With the introduction of Epioxa corneal cross-linking, Denver Eye Surgeons offers an FDA-approved treatment option that strengthens the cornea while preserving its outer layer. If you or your child has keratoconus, our team can help you understand your options and determine whether Epioxa may be right for you.
Schedule an appointment with Denver Eye Surgeons to learn more about Epioxa and keratoconus treatment.
