CK - Conductive Keratoplasty
NearVision CK is a quick procedure using radiofrequency (RF) energy to change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to make it steeper. The procedure takes approximately 5 minutes. 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 improvement may be temporary. While NearVision CK can turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.
NearVision CK can also help patients with farsightedess, or hyperopia, a condiditon in which the eye is too flat. CK modifies the surface curvature, making it steeper and therefore improving vision.
Is NearVision Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) right for me?
NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is intended for people over 40 who want to improve their near vision and reduce their dependence on reading glasses. CK is not intended for people with myopia (nearsightedness).
You are likely a good candidate if you
- Are over age 40
- Had great vision your whole life
- Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision
Frequenty Asked Questions about CK
What is Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)?
CK is the only procedure designed for the reduction of mild hyperopia with the use of radiofrequency (RF) instead of a laser.
Why doesn't CK use a laser?
Lasers reshape the cornea by vaporizing (removing) tissue. CK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method: the application of low-level, radiofrequency energy to specific spots around the cornea. This causes the tissue of the cornea (collagen) to shrink in a very controlled way, creating a constrictive "band" that gives the cornea a steeper shape.
Can CK correct Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
CK is intended to steepen the cornea; this is needed to help with near vision. CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the correction of myopia.
Will I ever need reading glasses or contacts again?
We intend CK to make you less dependent on glasses, however depending on your age and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision correction (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals) at some point. This is because your eye continues to change as you age. CK is not designed to allow you to throw away your readers but it should make you less dependent on them for reading price tags, menus, score cards, etc.
Near Vision Improvement
A good number of our patients have good distance vision and want to improve their near vision. As a result, CK may only be required in one eye. While this may sound odd, it is a technique used in contact lenses and LASIK for patients over 40. The advantage with CK is the improvement in near vision in the treated eye. This is similar to the sound you hear from stereo speakers. Different sounds come from each speaker but when working together they provide the entire range of sound. This is similar to what will happen with your vision - collectively seeing a more complete range of distance and near.
Distance Vision Improvement
Some of our patients require CK in both eyes. They have become more farsighted with age and benefit from having treatment in one eye to sharpen their distance vision and treatment in the other eye to sharpen their near vision. These patients experience improvement in near vision and see an average improvement from 20/40 to 20/20 at a distance.
Will my vision improve immediately after surgery?
Patients usually notice a gradual improvement in their vision immediately after the CK procedure. However, it may take several weeks for your eyes to reach the final level of correction.
