Breaking News: FDA approved cross linking of the cornea for Keratoconus
Eye Disease is now covered by insurance!
Please Note: Only Epi-off Avedro KXL/Photrexa system cross linking is FDA approved.
What is Cross-linking (CXL)? Read below for more information
Call Now to halt progression of Keratoconus. CALL (310) 896-4944
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Riboflavin to Treat Keratoconus
How Does Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Riboflavin Decrease the progression of Keratoconus Eye Disease?
As you will hear in the YouTube video above, corneal collagen crosslinking riboflavin is the latest weapon in the fight against keratoconus. There are other treatment options for keratoconus. Here we are going to impart education on Cross-Linking of the Cornea.
It stiffens the cornea increasing the Young’s modulus of the cornea. In Keratoconus eye disease the cornea is weak. It is not able to resist the outward pressure from inside the eye. The cornea begins to protrude forward. It is therefore also called bulging cornea. Crosslinking of the cornea is like gluing the fibers together. It unites the strands of the cornea into a single block.
If you want to know more about the biochemical reaction which make this possible, read on. The Riboflavin or Vitamin B complex has special properties. When exposed to UV or Ultraviolet light it generates free radicals. Normally free radicals are bad for health. Here they serve a useful purpose. The liberated free radicals form bonds between the collagen fibers. This converts multiple single rope like fibers into a stronger meshwork.
Types of Corneal cross linking or CXL
There are two main variations of corneal cross linking riboflavin currently. Either epithelium is removed (Epi off) or epithelium is left on (Epi on). The reason for removing the epithelium is to allow uniform penetration by riboflavin. The riboflavin soaks the cornea. It also acts as a barrier to deeper penetration of the UV rays. We know UV rays can damage the inner part of the cornea and the lens. So it is very important that it not be allowed to go deeper than 400 microns.
Epi Off is the procedure which is considered superior for keratoconus treatment at the present time. Research has shown it gives uniform and better corneal stiffening. Please look at the colored picture above. It shows a uniform demarcation line between the crosslinked and the deeper cornea when epithelium is removed and uniform riboflavin soaking is done and exposed to UV-A radiation. You may also note that this demarcation line is lacking if epithelium is left on. In fact as of 2016 no study has shown any technique to be superior to Epioff Cross Linkage of Cornea with Riboflavin.
Steps in performing Crosslinking of Cornea with Robflavin and UV
1. Identity of patient confirmed and brought into the surgery room. The eye to be operated on confirmed. Anxiolytic pills may be given. The topography and the pachymetry maps are confirmed.
2. The epithelium is removed with a chemical or laser.
3. Riboflavin drops are instilled every few minutes for 20 minutes. The penetration of the riboflavin through the cornea into the eye is confirmed on a slit lamp.
4. UV-A radiation is applied for 10 minutes in accelerated Peschke unit. Bandage contact lens is applied.
Steps in performing Crosslinking of Cornea with Robflavin and UV
1. Identity of patient confirmed and brought into the surgery room. The eye to be operated on confirmed. Anxiolytic pills may be given. The topography and the pachymetry maps are confirmed.
2. The epithelium is removed with a chemical or laser.
3. Riboflavin drops are instilled every few minutes for 20 minutes. The penetration of the riboflavin through the cornea into the eye is confirmed on a slit lamp.
4. UV-A radiation is applied for 10 minutes in accelerated Peschke unit. Bandage contact lens is applied.
This is not a painful surgery. A relatively simple procedure in the hands of experienced Keratoconus surgeons. The treatment is usually done one eye at a time. One important caveat is that most of the candidates are children or young adults. A caring and passionate doctor helps make the procedure comfortable. This procedure varies from 20 to 30 minutes, so the keratoconus team has to win the confidence of the teenager or young adult. We have performed Corneal Cross Linking of the cornea in teenagers as young as 13.
Side effects of CXL
Epithelium on was introduced to overcome side effects of epi off techniques. These side effects include delayed epithelium healing, corneal infections, edema, sterile ulcers and rarely scarring. Epi on technique may lead to non uniform riboflavin penetration.
Please note, currently Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Riboflavin is not FDA approved but performed under FDA study protocols. . Epi off is the best mode of treatment for keratoconus.
Corneal cross linking has also found use in treatment of corneal infections like acanthaomba cyst infections, usually acquired from swimming pools.
Some investigators are doing research to do asymmetric or focal treatment with cxl. This customized treatment holds great hope for vision correction in bulging corneas.
Why Choose Cross Linking Virtuoso Rajesh Khanna, MD?
Dr. Khanna has performed cross linking on many patients. He takes a personal interest in your well being. Cross linking procedure can take from 30 to 60 minutes. He is there making sure the treatment is delivered perfectly. The friendly staff keep you engaged so that time flies.
Steps for Insurance Coverage for Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL):
1. Get a Full Exam- Your Insurance provider needs proof of a full eye exam which shows progression of Keratoconus, proving you are a candidate for CXL.
2. Send Pre-Approval- We will send a pre-approval to your insurance company telling them this procedure is required to halt the progression of Keratoconus and preserve vision.
3. Have the Procedure- Once we send the pre-approval you are then ready to continue any other necessary tests and/or exams and finally to the CXL procedure itself.
4. Bill- After your procedure is completed we then proceed to bill your insurance.
5. Follow Up- After we bill your insurance we will continue to follow up with them regarding your procedure and the claim we placed with your insurance company.
Connect With Us:
For any other questions regarding Corneal Cross-linking Please do not hesitate to give us a call or send us a message. We are offering free educational materials, including the following:
- An App for Keratoconus Treatment
- Cure for Keratoconus – ebook
- Newsletter on Keratoconus
Email AddressMessageSend message. CALL (310) 896-4944
Affording Cornea Cross Linking for Keratoconus in 2019…
Its all good that FDA has approved cross linking for progressive keratoconus eye disease. The most important question is can you afford the procedure with an expert. Lets us help you overcome this obstacle. Do you have the determination to replace your Starbucks coffee with an alleviation therapy for your ailment. For about five bucks a day for three years is all that it takes. No interest. No money down. We will even fight with your insurance to pay towards your treatment. Send your insurance card now to icansee@khanna2020.com