Single Non-Surgical Treatment for Corneal Disease Shows Benefits for 3 Years

A single treatment with Epioxa maintained improvements in corneal shape and vision for three years in a follow-up study of patients with keratoconus, according to its developer Glaukos.

Glaukos said patients treated with Epioxa did not need additional intervention during the three-year follow-up. The results provide longer-term data on the treatment, which is designed to strengthen and stabilize the cornea without removing its outer protective layer.

Keratoconus causes the cornea to become thinner and bulge into a cone-like shape. This can distort vision and, in severe cases, lead to the need for a corneal transplant.

Vision and Corneal Shape Improved

The three-year extension study followed 38 eyes from 35 patients. About 92% of the treated eyes completed the three-year assessment.

Glaukos reported a 1.9-diopter improvement in maximum corneal curvature from the baseline. The company said this indicated sustained flattening and stabilization of the cornea.

Vision also improved in some patients. About 29% of treated eyes gained at least two lines on a standard eye chart, while 20% gained at least three lines.

The company reported no serious adverse events, treatment-related adverse events or treatment discontinuations linked to Epioxa during the follow-up.

Treatment Does Not Require Corneal Layer Removal

Epioxa is an FDA-approved, incision-free treatment for keratoconus. Unlike traditional corneal cross-linking procedures that involve removing the cornea’s outer epithelial layer, Epioxa is designed to work without removing that layer.

Glaukos said the three-year results support the durability of the treatment’s effects after a single treatment. However, the findings come from a relatively small study of 38 eyes and were reported by the treatment’s developer.