[Cross-Linking in Keratoconus: "Epi-off" or "Epi-on"?]

Corneal cross-linking can halt the progression of keratoconus, but what is the best approach for treatment? There are a number of treatment options for keratoconus, but only corneal cross-linking (CXL) appears to halt the progression of the disease. To guarantee effective cross-linking, CXL treatment involves removal of the corneal epithelium prior to riboflavin application and ultraviolet light illumination - "epi-off" CXL. Several methods of "epi-on" (transepithelial) CXL have been proposed, such as keeping the corneal epithelium intact which should be less painful and help avoid other CXL-associated adverse events. The evidence so far is that epi-off CXL remains the most effective method of strengthening the cornea and slowing keratoconus progression - but transepithelial methods are gaining ground.