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- What is iLink Corneal Cross Linking?
- Is the Corneal Cross-Linking Procedure Right for Me?
- How is iLink Corneal Cross Linking Performed?
- Recovery After Corneal Cross-Linking
- Is iLink Covered by Insurance?
- Why Early Treatment Matters
- What Makes Epioxa Different
- How Epioxa Works
- Your Treatment Experience
- Safety Profile
- Insurance Coverage
- Is Epioxa Right for You?
- Schedule an Appointment
What is iLink Corneal Cross Linking?
iLink corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the only FDA-approved cross-linking treatment for progressive keratoconus. It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines the use of ultraviolet light and specially formulated eye drops to stiffen and strengthen the cornea that has been weakened by disease or refractive surgery by creating connections between collagen fibers found within this area of the eye. It’s perfect for those who aren’t able or willing to have corneal cross-linking surgery.
Cross-linking (also known as corneal collagen cross-linking or corneal crosslinking) is considered the standard of care around the world for progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery and can prevent the need for a corneal transplant.
Is the Corneal Cross-Linking Procedure Right for Me?
Patients who have been diagnosed with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia following refractive surgery should ask their doctor about iLink corneal cross-linking. The best candidates for corneal cross-linking have some damage or degeneration to their corneas and are experiencing corneal haze, but the cornea is not too irregular or misshapen, and significant vision loss has not yet taken place. The procedure is best for those who are in the early stages of a disease.
Our practice is proud to offer patients the first and only FDA-approved therapeutic solution for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Now, patients who once had little to no therapeutic options to treat keratoconus have the opportunity to slow or halt the progression of this sight-threatening disease.
For more information about the iLink procedure for the treatment of progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, visit www.glaukos-iLink.com
How is iLink Corneal Cross Linking Performed?
Before your corneal cross-linking procedure is performed, your ophthalmologist will complete an eye exam and measure the thickness of your cornea. This ensures that you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will also create a detailed map of the shape of your cornea; this is known as corneal topography.
The corneal cross-linking procedure can be completed in about an hour. Your ophthalmologist will first remove the epithelium, which is the outer layer of the cornea.
Recovery After Corneal Cross-Linking
After corneal cross-linking, you may experience some mild discomfort, which most patients describe as a dry, burning, or gritty sensation in the eye. Pain should not be severe, and you should contact your ophthalmologist if you do experience severe discomfort. Sensitivity to light is also normal during the healing process after corneal cross-linking.
Is iLink Covered by Insurance?
The medical necessity of iLink has become widely recognized. As a result, commercial insurance coverage for the procedure is now over 95% in the United States.
Advanced Keratoconus Treatment: Epioxa Corneal Cross-Linking
At Boston Vision, we offer Epioxa (riboflavin 5′-phosphate ophthalmic solution), the only FDA-approved, non-invasive, epithelium-on, oxygen-enriched corneal cross-linking treatment for keratoconus. This breakthrough therapy represents a significant advancement in preventing keratoconus progression while prioritizing patient comfort and recovery.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated. While prescription glasses and contact lenses can temporarily improve vision, they do not stop keratoconus from worsening. Early intervention with corneal cross-linking is essential to halt disease progression and preserve your vision for the long term.
What Makes Epioxa Different
Non-Invasive, Epithelium-On Procedure
Unlike traditional cross-linking methods that remove the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), Epioxa preserves this protective layer. This epithelium-on approach is designed to improve patient comfort and reduce recovery time.
Oxygen-Enriched Technology
Epioxa utilizes specialized Boost Goggles® that provide an oxygen-rich environment essential for the cross-linking effect, enhancing treatment efficacy.
FDA-Approved Efficacy
Clinical trials involving nearly 600 eyes demonstrated that Epioxa effectively halts keratoconus progression in patients aged 13 to 55 years old.
How Epioxa Works
The treatment combines three essential components:
- Light-Activated Eye Drops – Epioxa drops are applied to the eye and activated by ultraviolet (UV) light to initiate the cross-linking reaction
- Oxygen Enhancement – Boost Goggles® deliver concentrated oxygen to the cornea, which is required for the strengthening process
- Precision UV Light – A specialized lamp delivers controlled UV light that works with the drops and oxygen to strengthen corneal tissue
Your Treatment Experience
During Treatment:
- Your doctor will apply Epioxa drops to your eye for several minutes
- Boost Goggles® will be fitted, and oxygen flow will begin
- You’ll receive controlled UV light exposure to activate the cross-linking process
- The procedure is performed on one eye at a time
After Treatment:
- Most patients experience mild, temporary discomfort
- Wearing sunglasses can help with light sensitivity
- Return to normal activities as directed by your physician
- Your second eye may be treated as early as one week after the first
Safety Profile
Epioxa’s safety has been proven in comprehensive clinical trials. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including:
- Redness and eye irritation
- Light sensitivity
- Temporary corneal haze
- Dry eye symptoms
- Mild eye pain or watering
Important: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain or sudden vision changes after treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Epioxa treatment may be covered by your health insurance. Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 for their treatment. Our team will work with you to verify your coverage and explore payment options.
Is Epioxa Right for You?
Epioxa is FDA-approved for treating keratoconus in adults and patients aged 13 years and older. If you’re experiencing:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Progressive blurry or distorted vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription
- Vision that cannot be fully corrected with eyewear
- A family history of keratoconus
Contact Boston Vision today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and learn if Epioxa corneal cross-linking is the right treatment option for you.
Schedule an Appointment
Corneal cross-linking is an advanced procedure that few ophthalmologists offer. To learn more about the procedure, book an appointment online or try giving us a call at 617-202-2020.
Our Cornea Services, including Cornea cross-linking, are available at all our locations: Brookline, Milford, Medford, Lawrence, Wellesley, Burlington, and Andover.
