Besides helping patients “see their best” the doctors at Slade & Baker Vision Center like to get involved in studies and research that will help patients around the world with different eye conditions and diseases.
From the start of corneal collagen crosslinking, the doctors here have worked with the FDA to try to gain approval in the United States since it has been approved in Europe for several years. The doctors here have been a part of a significant amount of trials and studies in order to get this amazingly successful treatment approved for all patients that have keratoconus and post lasik ectasia in the nation. Keratoconus is affecting a significant amount of the world’s population and crosslinking was created with the goal of stopping the progression of this disease so that a patient would not lose their vision or need a corneal transplant. To read or learn more about this condition, please visit our keratoconus page.
Now, at Slade & Baker Vision Center, there is an exciting new update in the world of crosslinking.
The doctors are involved in what is known as non invasive transepithelial crosslinking also known in the biz as “Epithelial on” or “Epi-on” crosslinking.
The difference between Epi off and Epi on crosslinking is that with Epi Off the surgeon removes the epithelium (top layer of the cornea) at the beginning of the procedure. The rest of the procedure stays exactly the same with both Epi On and Epi Off and it consists of a combination of riboflavin drops being placed in the eye and the exposure of the eye to UV light.
With Epi On crosslinking, there is no removal of the epithelium, the cornea stays intact and there is only the combination of riboflavin drops and UV light exposure.
Here are some facts about Epithelial On Crosslinking:
It is a much more comfortable procedure than Epithelial Off Crosslinking. There is less chance of infection because there is no epithelial defect. Patients can usually go back to their contact lenses in about 48 hours. Patients can see with their glasses the next day usually the same as they saw at pre op. It avoids risk of delays in epithelial healing. It helps avoid corneal scarring. It is just as effective if not more than the epithelial off procedure and has the same amount of riboflavin penetration.
To read more about corneal collagen crosslinking please visit our crosslinking page.
You can trust your eyes to the doctors who are dedicated to help stop the progression of this eye condition! If you have been diagnosed with either keratoconus or post lasik ectasia and/or to find out if you qualify for Epi On Crosslinking, please call our office and ask about it today at
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