Kugler Vision Participates In FDA Approval of Corneal Cross-linking for Treatment of Keratoconus
Published by on May 11, 2016
New FDA approved treatment is the First Therapeutic Keratoconus Treatment to Receive Approval 
Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE is a leader in ophthalmology and refractive surgery and was a principal investigator for the clinical trials conducted for corneal cross-linking. Corneal cross-linking is therapeutic treatment for Keratoconus, a sight-threatening eye condition. The Omaha ophthalmology practice seeks to reduce the blurred and distorted vision that is difficult to correct with lenses with this revolutionary treatment for Keratoconus– a condition that affects approximately one in every 2,000 Americans or approximately 170,000 people in the United States.
Keratoconus is a degenerative disease that causes progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea. The condition can result in myopia, astigmatism and even blindness. Corneal cross-linking aims to halt the progress of keratoconus by strengthening chemical bonds in the cornea, which can avert the need for a corneal transplant. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a riboflavin ophthalmic solution (Photrexa, Avedro, Waltham, MA) that treats progressive keratoconus with corneal collagen cross-linking in April 2016. Corneal cross-linking technology is already available in Asia and Europe. The FDA determined that corneal cross-linking for keratoconus was safe and effective based on three 12 month clinical trials conducted in the United States. Kugler Vision was a principal investigator in one of the three 12 month clinical trials, and on November 7, 2012, Kugler Vision became the first institution in Nebraska to perform the corneal cross-linking procedure.
The procedures were part of a national, multicenter, multi-year clinical trial examining the safety and efficacy of corneal cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus. After reviewing the data from the study sites, the FDA approved the technology in April, 2016. Keratoconus has a significant impact on quality of life. “Cross-linking is a breakthrough treatment that significantly reduces the chances of needing a corneal transplant for patients with this disease. In the U.S. we have a long list of patients waiting for this technology,” Dr. Kugler said. The clinical trials conducted by Kugler Vision played a role in its development and FDA approval.
An Omaha native, Lance Kugler, MD has strong ties to the community and is pleased to bring this life-changing technology to the area. At Kugler Vision our mission is to remain on the forefront of scientific advancements that improve our patients’ lives, and we are excited to offer this new vision technology. Lance Kugler, MD is available to the media to speak further on this exciting technology and the lifestyle benefits it provides.
More About Kugler Vision
Kugler Vision is Nebraska’s premier provider of vision correction solutions for every stage of life. The practice serves Omaha and the surrounding area with: vision care for ages ten and above, LASIK, Laser Cataract Surgery, and Advanced Lens Replacement. The practice’s mission is to provide compassionate, convenient and personalized care to patients while remaining on the forefront of science and technology. This uncompromising commitment to the highest-level of technology and expertise has led to Dr. Kugler’s development of the of the most advanced suite of treatment and diagnostic technology in the state– one of a handful in the United States. Dr. Kugler serves as the Director of Refractive Surgery for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, is involved in sports vision enhancement programs for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and is regularly participates in numerous FDA clinical trials.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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