Waiting Is One of the Biggest Mistakes People Make After a Keratoconus Diagnosis.

Here's why.

Keratoconus is a progressive disease. That means every year it progresses, your cornea can become weaker, your vision can become more distorted, and glasses or contact lenses may become less effective.

Our first goal is to stop keratoconus from getting worse. 

That's where Epi-Oxa® comes in.

Epi-Oxa is the first FDA-approved epithelium-on (epi-on) corneal cross-linking treatment for progressive keratoconus. Unlike traditional corneal cross-linking, Epi-Oxa strengthens the cornea without removing its protective outer layer, helping preserve your vision with a less invasive treatment. 

Why does this matter?

Less pain. Quicker vision recovery. But let’s dive into that more. 

What Makes Epi-Oxa Different?

For years, the standard treatment for progressive keratoconus was epithelium off corss-linking, which required the removal of the cornea's outer protective layer. 

Epi-Oxa changes that.

This innovative treatment uses specially formulated riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops, supplemental oxygen, and UV light to strengthen the cornea while leaving the eye's protective surface intact. (Epioxa) 

The result?

• Less disruption to the surface of the eye

• A more comfortable recovery for many patients

• Faster return to normal activities

• A treatment designed to help stabilize the cornea before more vision is lost

How Does Epi-Oxa Work?

Epi-Oxa strengthens your cornea in three simple steps.

Step 1: Riboflavin Eye Drops

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) eye drops are applied to the cornea.

Step 2: Supplemental Oxygen

Specialized Boost Goggles® create an oxygen-rich environment that helps maximize the cross-linking process.

Step 3: UV Light

A controlled UV light activates the riboflavin, creating new bonds between collagen fibers inside the cornea.

Think of it like reinforcing the framework of a house. The stronger the framework, the more stable the structure becomes.

That's exactly what Epi-Oxa is designed to do for your cornea. (Epioxa)

What Do the Clinical Studies Show?

Epi-Oxa was studied in two prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials involving nearly 600 eyes in patients ages 13 to 55 with keratoconus. (Epioxa)

The studies showed:

• Significant improvement in corneal stability compared to patients who did not receive active treatment.

• Patients treated with Epi-Oxa experienced an average 1.0 diopter (D) flattening in maximum corneal curvature (Kmax) at both 6 and 12 months—a key measure of slowing keratoconus progression. 

• In younger patients, the treatment effect was even greater. Patients under 29 years old in one study achieved an average 2.0 D improvement in Kmax, highlighting the value of early treatment. 

• More than 90% of treated eyes completed follow-up through 12 months, and no patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. 

These results reinforce one important message:

The earlier keratoconus is treated, the better the opportunity to preserve your vision.

Am I a Good Candidate for Epi-Oxa?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with keratoconus

• Show signs that your condition is progressing

• Have increasing astigmatism

• Notice your vision continues to worsen

• Want to protect your vision before permanent changes occur

These are just a few, but a consultation is where we can for sure see if this is what’s best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Epi-Oxa improve my vision?

The primary goal of Epi-Oxa is to strengthen and stabilize the cornea to help prevent further progression. Some patients may notice improvements in vision, but the main purpose of treatment is to preserve the vision you have.

Is Epi-Oxa painful?

Because the outer layer of the cornea remains intact, many patients experience a more comfortable recovery than with traditional epi-off cross-linking.

How long does the procedure take?

Your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and what to expect during your consultation.

Is Epi-Oxa FDA-approved?

Yes. Epi-Oxa is the first FDA-approved epithelium-on corneal cross-linking treatment for progressive keratoconus in adults and children 13 years and older.

Protect Your Vision Before Keratoconus Progresses

Keratoconus doesn't usually happen overnight, but it can continue to progress if left untreated.

If you've been diagnosed with keratoconus or your vision continues to change despite new glasses or contacts, early treatment may help preserve your eyesight.

At Mission Cataract & LASIK, we're committed to offering the latest advancements in corneal care, including Epi-Oxa®, to help protect your vision now and into the future.

Schedule a comprehensive keratoconus evaluation today to learn whether Epi-Oxa is the right treatment for you.