This disclosure features chemical entities (e.g., a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and / or
hydrate and / or
prodrug of the compound) that that generates cross-linking in the
cornea in response to
exposure to an electromagnetic
irradiation. This disclosure also features compositions containing the same as well as other methods of using and making the same. The chemical entities are useful, e.g., for treating a subject (e.g., a human) having a
disease, disorder, or condition in which abnormal shaping of the
cornea (e.g.,
thinning of the
cornea, e.g., bilateral
thinning of the cornea, e.g., bilateral
thinning of the central, paracentral, or
peripheral cornea; or steepening (e.g., bulging) of the cornea) contributes to the
pathology and / or symptoms and / or progression of the
disease, disorder, or condition. Non-limiting examples of such diseases, disorders, or conditions include: (i) corneal ectatic disorders; (ii) vision conditions; and (iii) diseases, disorders, or conditions that are
sequela or comorbid with any of the foregoing or any disclosed herein. More particular non-limiting examples of such diseases, disorders, or conditions include include
keratoconus, keratoglobus, pellucid marginal degeneration, corneal ectasia (e.g., post-operative ectasia, e.g., post-
LASIK ectasia), Terrien's marginal degeneration, myopia, hyperopia,
astigmatism, irregular
astigmatism, and
presbyopia. In some embodiments, the claimed methods can be performed in the absence of added or
supplemental oxygen levels, which can be advantageous in some applications.