FDA approval builds confidence
Epioxa has been reviewed as a treatment for keratoconus, giving families an FDA-approved option that does not rely on removing the epithelium.
FDA-approved epi-on CXL for keratoconus, age 13+
Epioxa™ epi-on cross-linking for keratoconus in Westlake Village
Epioxa is the first FDA-approved epithelium-on, oxygen-enriched corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus. It is designed to strengthen the cornea without removing the epithelium, the eye’s outer protective surface layer.
For teens, college students, young adults, and parents who want a less invasive keratoconus treatment conversation.
Epioxa at Khanna Vision Institute, Westlake Village
A short overview of FDA-approved epi-on corneal cross-linking for eligible keratoconus patients.
FDA
Approved for keratoconus
Formal U.S. review for epi-on CXL in eligible patients.
13+
Teen and adult patients
Important because keratoconus often starts young.
Epi-on
Surface layer stays intact
No removal of the corneal epithelium.
J2789
Reimbursement pathway
Permanent J-code scheduled for July 1, 2026.
Answer engine summary
What is Epioxa?
Epioxa™ is an FDA-approved epi-on corneal collagen cross-linking treatment for keratoconus. It uses prescription riboflavin eye drops, supplemental oxygen delivered through Boost Goggles®, and UV-A light from the O₂n™ System. The goal is to strengthen the cornea and help slow or halt keratoconus progression without removing the cornea’s surface epithelium.
Epioxa is not a LASIK procedure and is not designed to promise perfect vision. Many patients still need glasses, scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, or specialty contacts after cross-linking. The priority is protecting the cornea before keratoconus causes more distortion.
Why this matters
FDA-approved epi-on treatment changes the keratoconus conversation
Keratoconus can make the cornea bulge into a cone-like shape, causing blur, ghosting, glare, frequent prescription changes, and difficulty with night driving. For Gen Z patients, it can affect school, sports, screens, social life, and independence.
Epi-on means no corneal scraping
The corneal surface layer stays in place. This may improve comfort, reduce healing disruption, and support a faster return to normal routines.
Earlier action can protect options
Cross-linking is usually about preventing worsening, not waiting until vision is hard to rescue. Early evaluation is especially important for younger patients.
Epi-on vs. epi-off
What makes Epioxa different?
Traditional epi-off corneal cross-linking requires removal of the corneal epithelium so riboflavin can enter the cornea. Epioxa is designed to work with the epithelium left intact by combining specialized riboflavin formulations, oxygen enrichment, and UV-A activation.
Why parents ask about epi-on
Keeping the surface intact may mean less pain, less surface healing, and a faster path back to school, work, driving, and normal life. Candidacy still requires a full corneal exam.
Traditional epi-off
- • Epithelium removed before treatment
- • More surface healing required
- • Still an important option for selected patients
Epioxa epi-on
- • No removal of the epithelium
- • Designed for improved comfort and fast recovery
- • Uses oxygen enrichment and UV-A activation
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.
Step 1
Epioxa drops
Prescription riboflavin drops are applied while the corneal epithelium remains intact.
Step 2
Oxygen enrichment
Boost Goggles® create an oxygen-enriched environment during treatment.
Step 3
UV-A activation
Controlled UV-A light activates the riboflavin to strengthen corneal collagen.
Glaukos clinical data
Studied in two randomized, sham-controlled trials
Glaukos studied Epioxa in two prospective, multicenter trials including patients from age 13 into adulthood. The trials measured Kmax, a corneal curvature metric commonly used to evaluate keratoconus progression.
279
eyes in Study 1
Patients ages 13–53, randomized 2:1 to Epioxa or sham/vehicle control.
312
eyes in Study 2
Patients ages 13–51, randomized 2:1 to Epioxa or sham/vehicle control.
-1.0D
Kmax treatment effect
Reported in the Phase 3 confirmatory trial at Month 12.
0
ocular serious AEs reported
No Epioxa patients discontinued early due to an adverse event in the confirmatory trial.
Clinical results do not guarantee individual outcomes. Your doctor will explain expected benefits and limitations for your cornea.
Candidacy
Who should ask about Epioxa?
A full corneal evaluation is the only way to know, but Epioxa may be worth discussing if you or your child has keratoconus and wants an FDA-approved epi-on option.
✓ Diagnosed with keratoconus
✓ Age 13 or older
✓ Frequent prescription changes or worsening blur
✓ Glare, ghosting, halos, or night-driving difficulty
✓ Parent or patient wants to act before vision worsens
Insurance & reimbursement
Coverage support for families
Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, benefits, and prior authorization requirements. Epioxa has an important reimbursement milestone: CMS assigned permanent HCPCS J-code J2789, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
Glaukos also offers EpioxaCareConnect™, which can support benefits investigation, prior authorization requirements, estimated out-of-pocket costs, appeals, and financial assistance eligibility. Eligible commercially insured patients may qualify to pay as little as $0 for Epioxa and the corneal cross-linking procedure, subject to program rules.
1. Verify keratoconus diagnosis and corneal data
2. Check plan benefits and prior authorization rules
3. Review copay, assistance, and scheduling options
Important safety information
A medical consultation is required
The most common Epioxa side effects listed in patient materials include red eye, haze, light sensitivity, disruption of surface cells of the cornea, 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
Questions Gen Z patients and parents ask
Is Epioxa FDA approved?
Yes. Epioxa is FDA-approved for epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking to treat keratoconus in adults and pediatric patients age 13 and older.
Is this better than epi-off cross-linking?
It depends on the patient. The major advantage is that Epioxa keeps the epithelium intact, which may improve comfort and recovery. Epi-off cross-linking remains valuable for some cases. The right option depends on corneal thickness, severity, age, health history, insurance, and physician judgment.
Can Epioxa reverse my prescription?
Do not expect cross-linking to replace glasses or contacts. The main goal is to stabilize the cornea and reduce the risk of worsening. Vision correction may still require glasses, specialty contacts, scleral lenses, or other care.
Why treat keratoconus early?
Keratoconus can progress fastest in younger patients. Treating earlier may help preserve corneal shape and future vision options before irregularity becomes more advanced.
How do I know if insurance will cover it?
Coverage varies. Our team can help start a benefit investigation and prior authorization process. EpioxaCareConnect may also help with benefit checks, appeals, and financial assistance options.
Is Epioxa available near Thousand Oaks or Calabasas?
Khanna Vision Institute in Westlake Village serves patients from Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Ventura County, and the Conejo Valley.
Schedule a keratoconus evaluation
Find out whether Epioxa is right for you or your child
We will evaluate corneal shape, thickness, vision, risk factors, and insurance requirements before recommending a plan.
Khanna Vision Institute
31824 Village Center Rd, Ste F
Westlake Village, CA 91361
For emergencies, use the emergency instructions provided by the practice. This page is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Sources reviewed
Official patient and professional Epioxa materials, Glaukos FDA approval and clinical data 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.