Vance Thompson Vision is providing Avedro's Crosslinking System (KXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.
The announcement follows the United States Food and Drug Administration's recent approval of the KXL system, which is the first approved therapeutic treatment available for patients affected by keratoconus, a progressive disease affecting the cornea.
The FDA approval follows results of clinical trials demonstrating stabilization of the cornea within three to twelve months after crosslinking. As one of the research study sites, Vance Thompson Vision worked closely with the FDA and Avedro to assist in the clinical investigation of the KXL system.
"After years of research and development, we are excited to see this technology receive approval and provide keratoconus patients with first-time access to a reliable solution," said Dr. Vance Thompson. "Avedro's crosslinking system is a significant advancement for the keratoconus community, and our team is proud to have played a key role in its development."
Keratoconus is a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round shaped cornea progressively thins, causing a cone-like bulge to develop. Patients affected by the condition experience reduced visual acuity, with symptoms worsening as the disease progresses.
"Patients with keratoconus have long suffered the devastating affects of the condition. Until now their treatment options have been limited to minimizing the symptoms, but not stopping the progression of the disease. Vance Thompson Vision is delighted to now have the technology to provide a solution to patients affected by this condition," says Dr. John Berdahl, Corneal, Cataract, and Glaucoma surgeon at Vance Thompson Vision who also participated in the clinical trial. "
To date, this technology is the only viable option that has the ability to slow or even stop the progression of the disease."