Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus
Keratoconus, often referred to as KC, is a rare non-inflammatory eye condition in which the typically round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins and weakens, causing the development of a cone-like bulge and optical irregularity of the cornea. This causes distortion in your vision and can result in significant vision impairment.
If you suffer from Keratoconus, visit Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists for treatment. Our team of eye care professionals are among the very few super-specialized providers in the tri-state area that treat this condition. Call today or use the online scheduling tool to learn more about our state-of-the-art cross-linking treatment for Keratoconus.
Frequently Asked Question
What is keratoconus?
If you have keratoconus, your cornea, which is normally clear, dome-shaped part of the eye, responsible for focusing the light rays into your eyes, progressively thins out and forms a bulge shaped like a cone protruding outside. This change in the shape causes optical irregularity by making light rays out of focus. This results in blurry, distorted vision and would potentially hinder with your daily function, such as driving and reading.
What are the symptoms of keratoconus?
The symptoms for Keratoconus may vary according to the progression and maturity of the disease. In any case, it is always recommended to consult our eye doctors at Everett & Hurite if you have:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Frequent prescription changes for eyeglass and contact lens
- Sudden clouding of vision
- Increased light sensitivity
- Increasing difficulty seeing clearly with glasses
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
Our cornea specialists at Everett & Hurite diagnose keratoconus and track it over time with corneal topography and tomography, which are detailed maps of the shape and thickness of the cornea. Documenting change over time helps determine whether the condition is progressing and whether treatment is recommended.
How is keratoconus treated?
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the only FDA-approved treatment proven to slow or halt the progression of keratoconus. It strengthens the bonds between collagen fibers and stiffens the cornea. Cross-linking helps to stabilize the cornea but does not restore its original shape, so most patients still need glasses or specialty contact lenses afterward. Treating earlier, before significant vision loss, generally gives the best long-term results.
Our approach: epithelium-on cross-linking with Epioxa™
Everett & Hurite offers Epioxa™ (Glaukos), an epithelium-on ("epi-on") cross-linking treatment that the FDA approved in 2025 for patients 13 and older. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea and activated with ultraviolet-A light, along with supplemental oxygen. The surface layer of the cornea is left in place, so there is no need to remove it as older cross-linking methods required. That means less discomfort and a faster recovery.
What to expect. Cross-linking is an in-office procedure performed with numbing drops. The treatment itself takes about 20 minutes, and most patients are with us for about an hour in all. Afterward, mild discomfort and some light sensitivity are common for a couple of days. Follow-up visits monitor healing and corneal stability.
Living with keratoconus. Cross-linking works alongside vision correction rather than replacing it. Many patients see best with specialty contact lenses, such as rigid gas-permeable, hybrid, or scleral lenses, which our team can fit. For advanced cases, corneal transplant options are available.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with keratoconus, or your vision keeps changing despite new glasses, schedule an evaluation with one of our cornea specialists.
Can corrective lenses improve the symptoms of keratoconus?
Eyeglasses or soft contact lenses could correct the blurry distorted vision, during the early states of keratoconus. Due to the persistent thinning and weakening of the cornea, your vision would change consistently, and you would have to change your prescription often. Some specialized lenses like hard contact lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses could also help, but these specialized lenses are less comfortable to wear on your eyes, which could lead to its own share of corneal changes. In any case, corrective lenses does not stop the progression of keratoconus and the thinning of your cornea.
If you are over the age of 14 and have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or if you suddenly experience blurred vision or are progressively losing focus of your sight, don’t hesitate to call or schedule an appointment online with our corneal specialist in one of our offices.
