In a recent feature, Ocular Surgery News (OSN) provided an in-depth overview of the latest advancements in epi-on crosslinking, as presented by Prof. Farhad Hafezi of the ELZA Institute at the Winter ESCRS meeting in Frankfurt, Germany. The report emphasizes the significant strides made in the development and refinement of epi-on crosslinking techniques for treating keratoconus and corneal ectasia.
Introduced in 2009, epi-on CXL has offered the potential for less invasive treatment of corneal diseases with benefits such as reduced patient discomfort and quicker recovery times compared to the traditional epi-off method. However, initial iterations of the procedure encountered obstacles in efficiently delivering oxygen and riboflavin, essential for the success of the treatment.
By 2019, significant improvements were realized as Prof. Hafezi, alongside other researchers, worked on streamlining the process. The new approach to epi-on CXL simplifies the procedure to require just the patient, a slit lamp, and eyedrops, moving away from the reliance on oxygen tanks, goggles, and iontophoresis devices previously associated with epi-on treatments.
In the OSN coverage, Prof. Hafezi discusses the comprehensive testing of the biomechanical effectiveness of this evolved epi-on technique, indicating results comparable to the conventional epi-off approach. The ELZA Institute is set to publish detailed clinical data later in the year, shedding light on the procedure’s efficacy and safety.
This evolution of epi-on crosslinking signifies a shift towards more patient-centric corneal treatment modalities. By reducing the complexity and equipment needed for the procedure, it aims to make the treatment more accessible to a broader patient population.
The ELZA Institute’s continuous effort to innovate in the field of ophthalmology is highlighted through these advancements. With the ophthalmic community keenly awaiting the publication of the Institute’s clinical findings, the developments in epi-on crosslinking represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing enhancement of corneal disease treatment protocols.
Transcript:
This is Farhad Hafezi from Switzerland, and we are currently at the Winter ESCRS meeting in Frankfurt, Germany. This morning, I gave a presentation on ELZA’s epi-on cross-linking. We all know that epi-On has been around since 2009, and the start was a little bumpy because the technology was not where it should be. The promises could not be kept in the beginning. We have functioning epi-on beyond since 2019, but the technique became quite bulky with oxygen tanks, oxygen goggles, iontophoresis devices. Since 2019, my group and others tried to remove the need for oxygen and riboflavin delivery via iontophoresis. And finally, we managed to now have an Epi-on that simply needs the patient, a slit lamp, and eyedrops. No more oxygen tank, no iontophoresis. We tested biomechanics. It’s as good as the 10 minutes epi-off. And we will publish our clinical data this year. So very exciting news: office-based Epi-on can move it out of the operating room.
