Medically reviewed by
Joseph M. Biber, MD
Advanced FDA-approved therapy now available for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia
Horizon Eye Care made history as the first practice in Charlotte to offer corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus and corneal ectasia. This groundbreaking procedure represents a major advancement for patients living with these progressive corneal conditions, offering hope for halting disease progression and potentially eliminating the need for corneal transplant.
We remain the only eye care practice in the Charlotte region with this advanced technology, performed by our team of fellowship-trained corneal specialists who are qualified to perform Avedro’s FDA-approved corneal cross-linking procedure.
Understanding Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea that affects approximately one in every 2,000 Americans, or roughly 170,000 people in the United States. This makes it the most common corneal dystrophy in the country.
In keratoconus, the typically round, dome-shaped cornea progressively thins and weakens, causing the development of a cone-like bulge. This creates an abnormal curvature that changes the cornea’s optics, producing blurred and distorted vision that is difficult to correct with spectacle lenses. The progressive thinning and weakening can result in significant visual loss and may lead to the need for corneal transplants.
Early symptoms include:
- Blurring or distortion of vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with night vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
Keratoconus typically appears in individuals who are in their late teens or early twenties, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial for preserving vision throughout life.
What is Corneal Ectasia?
Corneal ectasia is a non-inflammatory condition marked by progressive corneal steepening and thinning. It’s a rare but serious complication that can occur following vision correction procedures such as LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).
The condition can begin within a week of refractive surgery or develop after several years. It’s associated with:
- Worsening best-uncorrected visual acuity
- An increase in ocular aberrations
- Decreasing best-corrected distance visual acuity
Like keratoconus, corneal ectasia can significantly impact vision and quality of life without proper treatment.
Corneal Cross-linking: A Revolutionary Treatment
“Corneal cross-linking is beneficial to our patients in that it offers them a therapeutic option to limit the progression of keratoconus and ectasia,” explains Dr. Gerald Rosen, one of our corneal specialists. “The FDA approval of corneal cross-linking with Photrexa products and the KXL System offers new treatment options for appropriate patients who, until now, had few options to help with their vision challenges and no therapeutic treatment for these sight-threatening conditions.”
How Corneal Cross-linking Works
Corneal cross-linking using Avedro’s Photrexa products and KXL System is a medical procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops. The procedure works by creating new corneal collagen cross-links, which results in a shortening and thickening of collagen fibrils that leads to stiffening the cornea.
This stiffening effect helps:
- Slow down or halt the progression of keratoconus
- Stabilize corneal ectasia
- Potentially eliminate the need for corneal transplant
- Preserve existing vision
Cross-linking has been performed in Europe since 2003 and is considered the standard of care around the world for keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery.
The Treatment Process
The cross-linking procedure is:
- Minimally invasive: Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Relatively quick: Completed in our office setting
- FDA-approved: Rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
- Proven effective: Established track record in stabilizing progressive corneal conditions
“Early diagnosis is critical and allows patients to be treated at the onset of the disease,” adds Dr. Rosen. “Patients suffering from progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery can now receive a therapeutic treatment that has been rigorously tested and approved.”
Our Corneal Cross-linking Specialists
Horizon Eye Care’s fellowship-trained corneal specialists who perform cross-linking procedures include:
About Avedro Technology
Avedro is a privately-held pharmaceutical and medical device company and the world leader in corneal remodeling. Avedro’s Photrexa Viscous, Photrexa and KXL products are approved for sale in the United States for the treatment of progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery.
The FDA approval of this technology represents a significant milestone for patients with these conditions, providing the first therapeutic option specifically designed to halt disease progression.
Determining Your Candidacy
Cross-linking treatment may be appropriate for patients with:
- Progressive keratoconus
- Corneal ectasia following refractive surgery
- Documented progression of corneal thinning
- Adequate corneal thickness for safe treatment
Early intervention is key to the success of cross-linking therapy. The earlier the treatment is performed in the disease process, the better the potential outcomes for preserving vision and corneal structure.
If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus or corneal ectasia, or if you’re experiencing symptoms such as progressive vision changes, increased astigmatism, or difficulty with vision correction, contact Horizon Eye Care to learn more about cross-linking treatment.
As Charlotte’s first practice to offer this revolutionary therapy, we continue to lead in providing the most advanced treatment options for corneal conditions. Our experienced team of corneal specialists will evaluate your condition and determine if cross-linking therapy is right for you.
To determine if you are a candidate for this minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, ask your Horizon Eye Care ophthalmologist or schedule a consultation.
