The Ghabra Technique
With a Xenia Collagen Implant
The Ghabra Technique represents a major breakthrough in keratoconus management, introducing a minimally invasive, biomechanically precise solution that goes beyond halting disease progression.
Developed by Dr. Marwan Ghabra, the technique utilizes the Xenia collagen implant, a lenticule-shaped, biocompatible insert designed to restore corneal thickness and improve both anterior and posterior corneal symmetry.
What sets this approach apart is its deep stromal pocket creation, performed with a femtosecond laser, allowing for the implant to be placed deep within the cornea—a location that, for the first time, enables corneal surgeons to directly address the surface irregularities of the posterior cornea.
This represents a paradigm shift, as such irregularities were previously accessible only through invasive corneal transplants.
The result is a structurally stable, visually optimized cornea with significantly reduced recovery time and improved patient comfort.
Corneal Cross Linking
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a proven, non-invasive treatment used to halt the progression of keratoconus.
It works by strengthening the collagen fibers in the cornea through the application of riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops followed by controlled ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
This process increases the biomechanical rigidity of the cornea, preventing further thinning and bulging.
CXL is often used in early to moderate stages of keratoconus and can be combined with other treatments, such as the Ghabra Technique, to enhance long-term stability and preserve vision.
Topo-Guided Laser Surgery
Topography-guided laser eye surgery is an advanced technique used in select keratoconus patients to correct refractive errors by precisely reshaping the cornea based on detailed corneal maps.
Unlike standard laser procedures, this method customizes the treatment to the individual’s corneal irregularities, significantly improving visual acuity by addressing higher-order aberrations common in keratoconus.
In cases where refractive correction is not the goal but surface regularization is needed, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) can be used to smooth and normalize the anterior corneal surface, enhancing contact lens tolerance and visual quality without altering the eye's prescription.