Photrexa Viscouse and Photrexa - treatment kits for corneal cross-linking - a relatively new procedure in Ophthalmology for treatment of progressive feratoconus (a non-inflammatory eye conditions in which the cornea becomes thin and weak causing irregularity of the cornea). The procedure uses the KXL system and creates new corneal collagen cross-links that result in the stiffening of the cornea, halting the progression of the disease and possibly avoiding the need for corneal transplant. It is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that combines vitamin B2 eye drops and ultra-violet light. The treatment kits are unique to the KXL system.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) The cross-linking procedure is a treatment option for patients with progressive keratoconus. The treatment has shown to slow the progression of the disease and may reduce the need for more invasive treatment alternatives.