The German publication, Ophthalmologische Nachrichten recently featured an article from ELZA’s Medical Director, Prof. Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO, highlighting significant advancements in corneal cross-linking (CXL). This innovative approach allows CXL procedures to be conducted at the slit lamp, making the treatment more accessible and cost-effective, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries.
Traditionally, CXL is performed in an operating room, where the patient is positioned on their back for the procedure. However, the article outlines a novel method developed by ELZA’s researchers, enabling CXL to be performed outside the OR. “With our expanding knowledge about CXL, it has become increasingly clear that this procedure can be safely carried out at the slit lamp,” the article states. This shift not only reduces costs but also eliminates the logistical and financial burdens associated with operating room bookings and operations.
A key advantage of performing CXL at the slit lamp is its potential to bring advanced eye care to rural and underserved areas. “This approach brings significant benefits by extending the technology from urban centers to rural locations with less developed infrastructure,” notes the article. This is especially crucial in regions where access to specialized medical facilities is limited.
The article further explains that CXL involves a photochemical UV-riboflavin reaction, which strengthens the cornea by cross-linking collagen fibers. This makes the cornea more resistant to deformation and infections. ELZA’s accelerated protocols have optimized this process, reducing the UV exposure time from 30 minutes to around 10 minutes while maintaining the procedure’s effectiveness.
In addition to treating keratoconus, ELZA’s method is highly effective against infectious keratitis, a leading cause of blindness in developing countries. The antimicrobial properties of CXL make it an excellent alternative to traditional treatments, which often require multiple applications of antimicrobial medications. “PACK-CXL can treat early bacterial, fungal, and mixed infections in a single, accelerated treatment without the need for antimicrobial drugs,” the article highlights.
The article underscores the practical benefits of ELZA’s approach, stating, “CXL at the slit lamp is not only cost-effective but also allows the procedure to be performed in areas where operating room access is limited.” By moving the procedure out of the OR, ELZA is democratizing access to advanced ophthalmic treatments, enhancing patient comfort and safety, and providing a practical solution for global eye care.
For more detailed insights, refer to the original publication in Ophthalmologische Nachrichten.
