What
is CK? | Am I a CK Candidate? | CK
Procedure | CK FAQ's | Links
What is CK?
Conductive Keratoplasty®
is a non-laser vision procedure developed specifically for baby
boomers who struggle with reading glasses and want to improve their
near vision. Clinical trials investigating NearVision CK found the
procedure to be a safe, effective option for people who are emmetropic
and hyperopic presbyopes.
NearVision CK is indicated
for the temporary improvement of near vision in emmetropic presbyopes
(those who require only reading glasses) and hyperopic presbyopes
(those who require reading and distance glasses). The procedure
is typically performed on just one eye, improving near vision without
compromising the patient's binocular distance vision. CK is “temporary”
becase, both presbyopia and hyperopia are progressive diseases,
which means that as people age, their eyes will continue to change
- with or without surgical treatment.
NearVision
CK uses radio waves to reshape the cornea and bring near vision
back into focus. Minimally invasive and painless, NearVision CK
is performed in less than three minutes in the doctor’s office
with only eye-drop anesthesia. The procedure is laser-free and extremely
safe; there is no cutting and no removal of tissue.
[top]
Am
I a CK Candidate?
You're
likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
•
Are over age 40
• Had great vision your whole life
• Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near
vision
[top]
The
CK Procedure
NearVision CK
is performed using a probe thinner than a strand of hair that releases
radiofrequency energy. Applied to the cornea in a circular pattern,
the radio waves shrink small areas of collagen to create a constrictive
band (like the tightening of a belt) that increases the curvature
of the cornea, bringing near vision back into focus.
Using radiofrequency (RF) energy, NearVision CK can change how the
eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to make it steeper. After
the doctor has applied a topical anesthetic (A local anesthetic
in the form of eye drops is used to numb the eye. Those patients
who are nervous or have a high level of anxiety will be given a
mild sedative to help them relax.), controlled RF energy is applied
in a circular pattern to shrink the corneal tissue. This pattern
is applied in the periphery of your cornea and therefore minimizes
interference with your line of sight (i.e., pupil). A device called
a "speculum" holds your eye open during the procedure.
Once finished, you don't have to wear a patch and can usually return
to work or normal activities the next day. Vision generally begins
improving in about a week's time. As with other procedures, the
level of improved vision may be temporary. While NearVision CK can
turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.
After the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort, and many
patients experience a foreign-object sensation or "scratchiness"
in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.
You may also experience initial slight over-correction of your vision,
which stabilizes during the following weeks. However, because NearVision
CK doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated
with other vision treatment procedures have not been observed with
NearVision CK.
After the NearVision CK procedure, patients should avoid getting
contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week. This includes
water from swimming pools, spas, lakes and the ocean. When showering
or taking baths, patients should keep their eyes closed in order
to avoid getting soap and dirty water into their eyes. When exercising,
sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after the
procedure. Also, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously
for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also avoid
applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure.
NearVision
CK can also help patients with farsightedness, or hyperopia, a condition
in which the eye is too flat. CK modifies the topographical (surface)
curvature, making it steeper and therefore improving vision.
Risks and Complications
NearVision CK is associated
with a nominal amount of surgery-related complications. Some people
who have had CK have experienced side effects that have impaired
their vision for a few days after the procedure. Although these
risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration
by anyone considering the NearVision CK procedure. Some side effects
include:
•
Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation
• Glare
• Halos
• Overcorrection
• Tearing
[top]
CK FAQ's
Will you be cutting the cornea?
No. NearVision CK is
performed without the cutting or removal of tissue. It is a safe,
minimally invasive procedure for people who struggle to read a newspaper,
menu, alarm clock, or computer screen.
Is
radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
Yes.
The use of RF energy is one of today's most advanced surgical techniques.
In addition to its use in NearVision CK, RF technology is being
used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular
procedures.
How soon can I return to work?
With NearVision CK, the majority of patients are able to return
to work and other normal activities the day after their procedure.
Although recovery is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful
with your eyes and to avoid any strain. Those whose jobs demand
intense clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery or computer
work) may want to give their eyes some extra rest for several days
following the procedure before going back to work.
Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVision CK?
No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a certain result
from any vision treatment procedure. However, in the FDA clinical
study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at
objects in the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print
(J3) after having NearVision CK (12-month follow-up data).
Can NearVision CK be performed on patients who have a pacemaker?
The NearVision CK equipment can produce interference that may adversely
influence the operation of other electronic equipment. Therefore,
NearVision CK is contraindicated for patients who are wearing a
pacemaker.
There
were NO reported serious, sight-threatening or unanticipated safety
events.
[top]
Links
Refractec
Gets FDA Approval for Its Presbyopia Treatment
The Wall Street Journal On-Line - March 2004
[top]
Conductive Keratoplasty ®
was approved by the FDA on April 16, 2002.
For more information, visit www.refractec.com
or call 1-800-752-9544. |
