Harvard Eye Associates adds Epioxa corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Harvard Eye Associates is now offering Epioxa, an FDA-approved, epithelium-on corneal cross-linking therapy for keratoconus patients in Laguna Hills, California. The treatment is designed to stabilize the cornea, slow disease progression and may reduce discomfort and recovery time compared with older cross-linking approaches.

Why it matters: - Keratoconus can progress during the teen and young adult years and can threaten vision for life. - Untreated keratoconus can lead to corneal transplant in 1 out of 5 patients. - Epioxa offers a noninvasive option because it leaves the cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium, intact. - Harvard Eye Associates says the therapy can help preserve vision while improving comfort and recovery.

What happened: - Harvard Eye Associates announced that Epioxa HD / Epioxa is now available for patients with keratoconus. - The practice is based in Laguna Hills, California. - Epioxa is the first and only FDA-approved epithelium-on, oxygen-enriched corneal cross-linking therapy for keratoconus. - The announcement was made July 10, 2026.

The details: - Epioxa is developed by Glaukos. - The therapy is indicated for epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking in adults and pediatric patients ages 13 and older. - Epioxa is used with the O2n System and Boost Goggles. - Clinical trials showed the treatment was safe and effective in halting keratoconus progression. - In those studies, a key indicator of corneal structural stability worsened in untreated patients and improved in Epioxa-treated patients. - The treatment effect was nearly double in patients ages 13 to 28. - John A. Hovanesian, MD, said the intact epithelium can improve comfort, streamline treatment and speed recovery. - Hovanesian also said the therapy may allow both eyes to be treated within a short period of time. - Harvard Eye Associates says patient assistance support programs are available. - The practice says eligible patients may qualify for a co-pay assistance program. - The practice says uninsured patients may qualify for a patient assistance program. - The most common side effect is eye redness. - Other potential side effects include eye irritation, dry eye, light sensitivity, eyelid swelling and increased tearing. - Epioxa HD and Epioxa are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzalkonium chloride or other listed ingredients. - Epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking is contraindicated in aphakic and pseudophakic patients without a UV-blocking intraocular lens. - The treatment should be used with caution in patients with a history of herpetic keratitis.

Between the lines: - The move positions Harvard Eye Associates among the first practices offering a newer cross-linking approach that avoids epithelial removal. - That matters because the older process has been associated with pain, blurry vision and longer healing. - The youth-focused trial signal suggests the therapy may be especially relevant for younger keratoconus patients, where progression can be most active.

What's next: - Patients interested in Epioxa will need evaluation to confirm eligibility for treatment. - Harvard Eye Associates is expected to use the new option as part of its keratoconus care offering. - More information is available in the full Prescribing Information.