FDA approval gives families confidence
Epioxa has been formally reviewed and approved by the FDA as a treatment for keratoconus, giving patients an established option that does not depend on removing the epithelium.
FDA-approved epi-on CXL · Now in Beverly Hills
Epioxa™ epi-on cross-linking for keratoconus on Wilshire Boulevard
Epioxa is the first FDA-approved epithelium-on, oxygen-enriched corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus. At Khanna Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, Dr. Rajesh Khanna offers Epioxa as part of a complete cornea care program — strengthening the cornea without removing its outer surface layer.
Serving Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, Culver City, Hollywood, and Century City. Patients also travel to us nationally and internationally.
FDA-approved Epioxa™
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Fellowship-trained corneal surgeon
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50,000+ eye procedures
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34+ years of practice
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SoCal Super Doctor 2019–2024
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Author · two ophthalmology books
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FDA-approved Epioxa™
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Fellowship-trained corneal surgeon
·
50,000+ eye procedures
·
34+ years of practice
·
SoCal Super Doctor 2019–2024
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Author · two ophthalmology books
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FDA
Approved for keratoconus
Formal U.S. review for epi-on cross-linking in eligible patients age 13+.
0+
Eye procedures by Dr. Khanna
Across 34+ years of corneal and refractive practice.
Epi-on
Surface layer stays intact
No removal of the corneal epithelium during treatment.
J2789
Reimbursement pathway
Permanent CMS J-code effective July 1, 2026.
In one paragraph
What is Epioxa, and why does it matter?
Epioxa is a corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus that does not require removing the cornea's outer surface layer (the epithelium). It uses oxygen-enriched topical riboflavin solutions activated by UV-A light to strengthen corneal collagen and slow disease progression. Because the epithelium stays intact, recovery is generally less painful and faster than traditional epithelium-off cross-linking. Epioxa was approved by the FDA in October 2025 and is now available in clinical practice. At Khanna Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, Dr. Rajesh Khanna offers Epioxa as one of the full range of keratoconus treatments — including traditional cross-linking and CTAK for vision restoration in advanced cases.
Why this matters
A new keratoconus option for active Angelenos
Keratoconus can disrupt work, screens, driving, sports, contact lenses, and confidence. For working professionals, performers, and students in Los Angeles, time off for recovery from a traditional cross-linking procedure can feel impossible. Epioxa is designed to help close that gap — same therapeutic goal, gentler recovery profile.
Less recovery downtime
Because the surface layer of the cornea is preserved, most patients experience less surface-healing discomfort and a faster return to screens, work, and driving compared with epi-off treatment.
Earlier action protects future options
Cross-linking helps stop progression — it doesn't reverse damage. Acting earlier preserves the cornea before irregularities advance, keeping more long-term treatment options open.
Epi-on vs. epi-off
What sets Epioxa apart
Traditional epi-off corneal cross-linking requires removing the corneal epithelium so that riboflavin can penetrate the cornea. Epioxa is engineered to work with the epithelium left in place — combining specialized riboflavin formulations, oxygen enrichment, and UV-A activation to drive the cross-linking reaction without needing to remove the surface layer.
Why Beverly Hills patients ask about epi-on
For working professionals, performers, students, and active families, surface-layer healing time is a real consideration. Keeping the epithelium intact may shorten time away from screens, contacts, work, and travel. Candidacy is determined by a complete corneal exam.
Traditional epi-off
- • Epithelium is removed before treatment
- • Surface healing typically takes several days
- • Remains the right option for some clinical situations
Epioxa epi-on
- • No removal of the epithelium
- • Designed for improved comfort and faster recovery
- • Uses oxygen enrichment and UV-A activation
Experience matters
Why patients choose Dr. Khanna for Epioxa
Epioxa is a new procedure. Dr. Khanna is not. He brings 34+ years of corneal and refractive expertise to every Epioxa case, informed by his fellowship at the University of Cincinnati and over 50,000 procedures performed across his career.
When a procedure is genuinely new, the surgeon's depth in the surrounding specialty is what matters most. Cornea is Dr. Khanna's life's work — and he has performed corneal procedures on his own family members, including his mother and his wife. That speaks to his confidence in the standard of care he delivers.
34+
Years of practice
In refractive and corneal surgery in Southern California.
50,000+
Eye procedures
Across the breadth of cornea, lens, and refractive care.
6×
Super Doctor
Named a Southern California Super Doctor 2019–2024.
2
Books authored
On SMILE laser vision correction and presbyopic implant care.
Treatment overview
Drops, oxygen, light — a streamlined epi-on process
Every treatment plan is individualized after corneal mapping, pachymetry, refraction, eye health evaluation, and a discussion of risks and alternatives. Treatment occurs at our Beverly Hills office on Wilshire Boulevard.
Step 1 · Riboflavin drops
A specialized riboflavin solution is applied directly to the eye. The epithelium remains in place — no scraping required.
Step 2 · Oxygen enrichment
Supplemental oxygen drives the cross-linking chemistry — a key innovation that makes epi-on treatment possible.
Step 3 · UV-A activation
Ultraviolet-A light activates the riboflavin, triggering the cross-linking reaction that strengthens the corneal collagen.
Insurance & cost support
We help you navigate coverage
Insurance coverage for Epioxa is being established as the new permanent CMS J-code (J2789) takes effect July 1, 2026. Our team verifies your specific benefits, supports prior authorization, and works with EpioxaCareConnect for benefit checks and copay assistance. For costs not covered by insurance, Alpheon Credit financing is available.
- Free benefit verification before your consultation
- Prior authorization support handled by our team
- EpioxaCareConnect copay-assistance program
- Alpheon Credit financing for any uncovered portion
How we walk you through it
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1
Verify your keratoconus diagnosis
Corneal mapping and prior records review.
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2
Check plan benefits
Including any prior-authorization rules.
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3
Review options & schedule
Copay assistance, financing, and treatment date.
Important safety information
A medical consultation is required
Reported Epioxa side effects include red eye, haze, light sensitivity, disruption of corneal surface cells, eye pain, eye irritation, watery eyes, eyelid swelling, fine white lines in the cornea, reduced sharpness of vision, dry eye, and eye inflammation.
Epioxa may not be appropriate for patients with certain allergies, certain post-cataract surgery lens situations, a history of herpetic keratitis, pregnancy, or other eye health concerns. Your Khanna Vision Institute evaluation will review risks, benefits, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
FAQ
Common questions from Beverly Hills patients
Is Epioxa available at the Beverly Hills office?
Yes. Khanna Vision Institute offers Epioxa epi-on corneal cross-linking at our Beverly Hills location at 9100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 265E. Dr. Rajesh Khanna is among the early Southern California adopters of this FDA-approved treatment.
How is the Beverly Hills office different from your Westlake Village location?
The treatment, equipment, and standard of care are identical. The Beverly Hills office serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Bel Air, Hollywood, Century City, and Mid-City. The Westlake Village office serves Ventura County and the Conejo Valley. Patients choose based on which is more convenient.
Is there parking and concierge access at the Beverly Hills office?
Yes. The 9100 Wilshire Boulevard building offers valet and self-park options. For international and out-of-state patients, our team helps coordinate scheduling, ground transportation, and lodging recommendations near the office.
What makes Dr. Khanna's experience relevant for Epioxa?
Dr. Rajesh Khanna is fellowship-trained in corneal and refractive surgery (University of Cincinnati), with 34+ years of clinical experience and over 50,000 eye procedures performed. He has been a Southern California Super Doctor for six consecutive years. While Epioxa is a new procedure, the surgeon's overall corneal expertise is what matters most — and Dr. Khanna brings that depth to every case.
Is this better than epi-off cross-linking?
It depends on the patient. The major advantage of epi-on is keeping the epithelium intact, which may improve comfort and recovery. Epi-off cross-linking remains a valuable option for some clinical situations. The right choice depends on corneal thickness, severity, age, health history, insurance, and physician judgment.
Can Epioxa reverse my prescription?
No. The goal of cross-linking is to stabilize the cornea and reduce the risk of worsening keratoconus. Vision correction may still require glasses, specialty contacts, scleral lenses, or — in advanced cases — vision-restoring procedures like CTAK.
What if I'm not a candidate for Epioxa?
Not every patient is right for Epioxa. If it isn't appropriate, Dr. Khanna will explain why and walk you through alternatives, which may include traditional epi-off cross-linking or CTAK for vision restoration. KVI offers the full range of keratoconus treatments, so your evaluation isn't limited to one option.
Do you also see patients in Westlake Village?
Yes — we also offer Epioxa at our Westlake Village location, serving Ventura County and the Conejo Valley.
Schedule a keratoconus evaluation
Find out whether Epioxa is right for you
We will evaluate corneal shape, thickness, vision, risk factors, and insurance requirements before recommending a treatment plan. Same-week appointments often available.
Khanna Vision Institute · Beverly Hills
9100 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 265E
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM. For after-hours emergencies, follow the practice's emergency instructions. This page is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Sources reviewed
Official Epioxa patient and professional materials, Glaukos FDA approval announcements, and Glaukos reimbursement / J-code updates were reviewed when preparing this page. Update this section and the page wording if product labeling, coverage, or reimbursement dates change.
- Epioxa patient information
- Epioxa healthcare professional information
- Glaukos FDA approval announcement
- Glaukos permanent J-code announcement
Last updated: April 29, 2026. Epioxa™, EpioxaCareConnect™, O₂n™, and Boost Goggles® are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Khanna Vision Institute is not responsible for third-party program changes, payer rules, or copay-program eligibility decisions.