Epioxa epi-on cross-linking for keratoconus

A new keratoconus option for active Angelenos

Keratoconus can disrupt work, screens, driving, sports, contact lenses, and confidence. For working professionals, performers, and students in Los Angeles, time off for recovery from a traditional cross-linking procedure can feel impossible. Epioxa is designed to help close that gap — same therapeutic goal, gentler recovery profile.

FDA approval gives families confidence

Epioxa has been formally reviewed and approved by the FDA as a treatment for keratoconus, giving patients an established option that does not depend on removing the epithelium.

Less recovery downtime

Because the surface layer of the cornea is preserved, most patients experience less surface-healing discomfort and a faster return to screens, work, and driving compared with epi-off treatment.

Earlier action protects future options

Cross-linking helps stop progression — it doesn't reverse damage. Acting earlier preserves the cornea before irregularities advance, keeping more long-term treatment options open.

Epi-on vs. epi-off

Why patients choose Dr. Khanna for Epioxa

Epioxa is a new procedure. Dr. Khanna is not. He brings 25+ years of corneal and refractive expertise to every Epioxa case, informed by his fellowship at the University of Cincinnati and over 25,000 procedures performed across his career.

When a procedure is genuinely new, the surgeon's depth in the surrounding specialty is what matters most. Cornea is Dr. Khanna's life's work — and he has performed corneal procedures on his own family members, including his mother and his wife. That speaks to his confidence in the standard of care he delivers.

25+

Years of practice

In refractive and corneal surgery in Southern California.

25,000+

Eye procedures

Across the breadth of cornea, lens, and refractive care.

6×

Super Doctor

Named a Southern California Super Doctor 2019–2024.

2

Books authored

On SMILE laser vision correction and presbyopic implant care.

Treatment overview

We help you navigate coverage

Insurance coverage for Epioxa is being established as the new permanent CMS J-code (J2789) takes effect July 1, 2026. Our team verifies your specific benefits, supports prior authorization, and works with EpioxaCareConnect for benefit checks and copay assistance. Epioxa is insurance-approval only. No cash price and no monthly payment are shown.

How we walk you through it

Important safety information

• Free benefit verification before your consultation
• Prior authorization support handled by our team
• EpioxaCareConnect copay-assistance program
• Insurance-approval only. No cash price and no monthly payment.
• 1 Verify your keratoconus diagnosisCorneal mapping and prior records review.
• 2 Check plan benefitsIncluding any prior-authorization rules.
• 3 Review options & scheduleCopay assistance, financing, and treatment date.

Common questions from Beverly Hills patients

Yes. Khanna Vision Institute offers Epioxa epi-on corneal cross-linking at our Beverly Hills location at 9100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 265E. Dr. Khanna is among the early Southern California adopters of this FDA-approved treatment.

The treatment, equipment, and standard of care are identical. The Beverly Hills office serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Bel Air, Hollywood, Century City, and Mid-City. The Westlake Village office serves Ventura County and the Conejo Valley. Patients choose based on which is more convenient.

Yes. The 9100 Wilshire Boulevard building offers valet and self-park options. For international and out-of-state patients, our team helps coordinate scheduling, ground transportation, and lodging recommendations near the office.

Dr. Khanna is fellowship-trained in corneal and refractive surgery (University of Cincinnati), with 25+ years of clinical experience and over 25,000 eye procedures performed. He has been a Southern California Super Doctor for six consecutive years. While Epioxa is a new procedure, the surgeon's overall corneal expertise is what matters most — and Dr. Khanna brings that depth to every case.

It depends on the patient. The major advantage of epi-on is keeping the epithelium intact, which may improve comfort and recovery. Cross-linking is offered as Epioxa (epi-on), insurance approval only. Epi-off is not a standard option; it may be considered only as a conditional exception if Glaukos approves it in select cases. Epioxa is the cross-linking treatment, and it is insurance-approval only. The right choice still depends on corneal thickness, severity, age, health history, insurance, and physician judgment.

No. The goal of cross-linking is to stabilize the cornea and reduce the risk of worsening keratoconus. Vision correction may still require glasses, specialty contacts, scleral lenses, or — in advanced cases — vision-restoring procedures like CTAK.

Not every patient is right for Epioxa. If it isn't appropriate, Dr. Khanna will explain why and walk you through alternatives, CTAK may be discussed for vision restoration. Cross-linking is offered as Epioxa (epi-on), insurance approval only. Epi-off is not a standard option; it may be considered only as a conditional exception if Glaukos approves it in select cases. KVI offers the full range of keratoconus treatments, so your evaluation isn't limited to one option.

Yes — we also offer Epioxa at our Westlake Village location, serving Ventura County and the Conejo Valley.

Schedule a keratoconus evaluation

Sources reviewed

Official Epioxa patient and professional materials, Glaukos FDA approval announcements, and Glaukos reimbursement / J-code updates were reviewed when preparing this page. Update this section and the page wording if product labeling, coverage, or reimbursement dates change.

Last updated: April 29, 2026. Epioxa™, EpioxaCareConnect™, O₂n™, and Boost Goggles® are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Khanna Vision Institute is not responsible for third-party program changes, payer rules, or copay-program eligibility decisions.

• Epioxa patient information
• Epioxa healthcare professional information
• Glaukos FDA approval announcement
• Glaukos permanent J-code announcement