Cross Linking Surgery & Keratoconus | Specialty Eye Institute

We are excited to announce Dr. Luis Gago and Dr. Kevin Lavery are now offering FDA approved corneal cross-linking treatment for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. To help you determine if this treatment is the correct option for you, we have created a list of the benefits and risks of a corneal cross-linking procedure.

What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?

“Corneal cross-linking is the only proven way to stabilize keratoconus and we are thrilled to be able to offer this procedure for our patients,” states Kevin Lavery, M.D., Cataract & Refractive Specialist at Specialty Eye Institute.

Avedro’s drug products, Photrexa® Viscous (riboflavin 5′-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) and Photrexa® (riboflavin 5′-phosphate ophthalmic solution) are indicated for use with the KXL System in corneal collagen cross-linking. It is a medical procedure that combines the use of ultra-violet (UV) light and riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops. The corneal cross-linking procedure works by creating new bonds between corneal collagen fibers which leads to the stiffening of corneas which have been weakened by disease or by refractive surgery.

Benefits to Patients

Only FDA approved therapeutic treatment available for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery
Can limit the progression of disease by stiffening the cornea
Clinical benefits of reduction in maximum corneal curvature (as measured by Kmax).

Risks to Patients

Ulcerative keratitis, and/or a potentially serious eye infection, can occur
The most common ocular adverse events were corneal opacity, punctate keratitis, corneal striae, corneal epithelial defect, dry eye, eye pain, reduced visual acuity, photophobia and blurred vision
The majority of these adverse events are resolved in the first month

Is Corneal Cross Linking Covered By Insurance?

“The corneal cross-linking procedure using riboflavin is the first and only FDA approved therapeutic treatment for patients with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. This can possibly save a patient from a more invasive corneal transplant procedure and is now covered by many insurance plans,” states Luis Gago, M.D., Cataract & Refractive Specialist at Specialty Eye Institute.

Who is Eligible?

Appropriate patients over the age of 14 who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery may be candidates for a procedure. Our team of ophthalmologists offer innovative corneal cross-linking procedures and treatments to clients. In addition, our doctors offer other types of eye care solutions such as cataract eye surgery, diabetic retinopathy treatments, LASIK surgery, hyperopia treatments, retinal detachment treatments, and refractive lens exchange surgery. Give our team a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss the advantages and risks of a corneal cross-linking procedure.