Applications

1392 – Corneal Collagen Cross Linking as early intervention in progressive keratoconus

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation -
  • Pre-MSAC consultation -
  • Outcome Supported

Application details

Reason for application

New MBS item.

Service or technology in this application

Corneal collagen cross linking is a treatment first described about 10 years ago. It involves soaking of the cornea with a solution of riboflavin 0.1% and dextran. An ultraviolet A light source is shone onto the cornea. The effect is to increase inter molecular bonds between collagen fibres and stiffen the cornea reducing the risk of progression of ectasia.

Type: Therapeutic

Medical condition this application addresses

Keratoconus is a condition that progresses in the late teens and early twenties and the cornea becomes progressively more ectatic and the vision deteriorates. Treatment may involve hard contact lenses. Eventually it may become impossible to fit or wear lenses and in this situation corneal transplantation may be required. Although a successful treatment corneal transplantation is a major operation with potentially significant risks to good vision. A treatment to slow progression of the disease is clearly desirable.

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 
    • 11 December 2014
    • 16 April 2015
  • ESC meeting: 9 June 2016
  • MSAC meeting: 
    • 28 July 2016
    • 6 - 7 April 2017