Generic name: riboflavin ophthalmic [ RYE-boe-flay-vin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Photrexa, Photrexa Viscous, Photrexa-Photrexa Viscous Cross-Linking Kit
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.146%)
Drug class:Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents
What is riboflavin ophthalmic?
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is important in the maintenance of many tissues of the body.
Riboflavin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a "photosensitive" solution used during a procedure to treat progressive keratoconus in adults and adolescents who are at least 14 years old.
Keratoconus (KER-a-toe-KOE-nus) is a degenerative eye disease that affects the cornea, the outermost layer on the surface of your eye. The cornea works by directing light toward the back of your eye to help you focus your vision. In people with keratoconus, the cornea becomes thin and weak, and then bulges outward. This causes incoming light to be channeled in too many directions, causing distorted vision. Progressive keratoconus can cause vision problems that may eventually lead to vision loss or a corneal transplant.
Riboflavin ophthalmic is used together with ultraviolet (UV) light as part of a procedure called corneal collagen crosslinking.
Corneal collagen crosslinking is a method of applying riboflavin eye drops and UV light to the cornea. In this procedure, riboflavin eye drops are placed into the eyes over several minutes. Then a UV light is directed over the cornea. The riboflavin enhances the light, causing a reaction in collagen fibers inside the cornea. This procedure helps stiffen and strengthen your cornea to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus.
Riboflavin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
