A First for Utah: The Eye Institute of Utah Introduces Epioxa™ Corneal Cross-Linking
The Eye Institute of Utah is the first practice in the state of Utah — and among the first in the nation — to perform the Epioxa™ corneal cross-linking procedure for the treatment of keratoconus.
This is a milestone we’re genuinely proud of, and one that reflects our team’s longstanding commitment to giving Utah patients access to the most advanced corneal care available.
What is Epioxa™?
Epioxa™ is the newest generation of FDA-approved corneal cross-linking, developed by Glaukos Corporation and cleared by the FDA in October 2025. It is designed to treat keratoconus — a progressive eye disease in which the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward, causing worsening distortion and blurred vision.
What makes Epioxa™ different from previous cross-linking treatments is its “epi-on” approach. Traditional cross-linking required removing the cornea’s outer protective layer (the epithelium) before treatment could begin. Epioxa™ uses a specially engineered, oxygen-enriched riboflavin formulation that allows the procedure to be performed with the epithelium fully intact — no incision, no tissue removal.
For patients, this means:
- Significantly less discomfort during and after the procedure
- A faster, smoother recovery
- The same goal: stopping keratoconus in its tracks to protect long-term vision
What This Means for Our Patients
Corneal cross-linking has been a practice at The Eye Institute of Utah for years — our cornea specialists even participated in the early clinical trials that helped bring the original treatment to the U.S. market. Epioxa™ represents the next chapter in that work, and we’re honored to be among the first in the country to bring it to patients.
If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or have been told your cornea may be changing, this advancement is worth knowing about. Early treatment remains the most effective way to preserve your vision, and Epioxa™ makes that intervention more accessible and comfortable than ever before.
To learn more about Epioxa™ corneal cross-linking or to schedule a consultation with our cornea team, contact The Eye Institute of Utah today.
