Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision. Left untreated, it can cause significant vision loss and, in advanced cases, require a corneal transplant. Today, a new treatment makes halting keratoconus easier than ever.
Epioxa is the first FDA-approved epithelium-on (“epi-on”) corneal collagen cross-linking therapy. Traditional cross-linking requires removing the cornea’s protective outer layer so riboflavin drops can penetrate, a step that often means days of discomfort and a longer recovery. Epioxa leaves that layer intact. Specially formulated riboflavin drops are applied, then activated with UV light in an oxygen-enriched environment to strengthen the cornea’s collagen fibers and stop progression.
For patients, that means an incision-free procedure, greater comfort, and a faster return to daily life. Epioxa is approved for adults and teens 13 and older, which matters because keratoconus often begins in adolescence, when early treatment preserves the most vision.
Keratoconus has been in the spotlight lately. Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry recently shared that he was diagnosed with keratoconus in 2018.
At Eyesight Hawaiʻi, cornea specialists Dr. John Olkowski and Kristen Hirabayashi focus on the diagnosis and long-term management of keratoconus. Dr. Olkowski, Chief of the Cornea Service and faculty member at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine, brings deep corneal expertise to every patient’s care plan.
Early detection is everything. If you or your child has keratoconus, frequently changing glasses prescriptions, or trouble with contact lens fit, schedule an evaluation with Eyesight Hawaiʻi to see whether Epioxa is right for you.
