CK Surgery FAQ
CONDUCTIVE KERATOPLASTY (CK) NON-INVASIVE CORRECTION
LaserVue surgeons are proud to offer CK surgery, for the correction of near vision, to our patients in the San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland East Bay, South Bay, and Santa Rosa areas. Below are a few frequently asked questions about CK to help you with your CK eye surgery decision.
- How is NearVisionSM CK® performed?
- Will you be cutting the cornea?
- Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
- Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
- Will my vision fluctuate after NearVisionSM CK® is performed?
- Are both eyes treated on the same day?
- Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?
- How soon can I return to work?
- What type of anesthesia is used during the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
- What will I feel during the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
- Why doesn't NearVisionSM CK® use a laser?
- What are the risks and side effects of NearVisionSM CK®?
- Are there restrictions after having NearVisionSM CK®?
- Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVisionSM CK®?
- Will my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
- Can CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
- Who is right for NearVisionSM CK®?
ANSWERS
How is NearVisionSM CK® performed?
NearVisionSM CK® uses radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back into focus. NearVisionSM CK® is performed using a small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases radio waves. The probe is applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band—like the tightening of a belt—increasing the overall curvature of the cornea. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
Will you be cutting the cornea?
No. NearVisionSM CK® is performed without the cutting or removal of tissue. It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for Baby Boomers who struggle to read a newspaper, menu, alarm clock, computer, etc.
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 NearVisionSM CK®, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, orthopedics, cosmetics, and even cardiovascular procedures.
Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after the NearVisionSM CK® procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to reach the final level of treatment.
Will my vision fluctuate after NearVisionSM CK® is performed?
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after the procedure, but few notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who have a procedure to steepen the cornea (presbyopia or hyperopia), regardless of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization period than those who receive a treatment that flattens the cornea (myopia).
Are both eyes treated on the same day?
NearVisionSM CK® is typically performed on just one eye. However, if a patient's prescription requires treatment in both eyes, CK is typically performed on both eyes on the same day—one eye immediately after the other. Most patients are comfortable having the CK procedure performed on both eyes on the same day because the procedure is minimally invasive, takes less than three minutes, and is done in-office with only topical anesthesia.
Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages.
How soon can I return to work?
With NearVisionSM 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 a day or two following the procedure before going back to work.
What type of anesthesia is used during the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
A topical 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.
What will I feel during the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
The CK procedure is considered painless. You will be aware of a lid support (speculum), which helps to hold your eye open. The most common sensation that patients experience is a slight feeling of pressure on the eye. After surgery, there may be some mild discomfort, which is often managed with drops and/or analgesics. Many patients complain of a foreign-object sensation or a slight "scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.
Why doesn't NearVisionSM CK® use a laser?
NearVisionSM CK® is a non-laser procedure that uses controlled radio waves to improve near vision. Rather than removing tissue with a laser, NearVisionSM CK® reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method. The application of low-level radiofrequency (RF) energy is applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen in the corneal tissue. This circular pattern acts like a belt tightening around the outer cornea to increase its overall curvature and bring life's details back into focus. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical "eye-drop" anesthesia.
What are the risks and side effects of NearVisionSM CK®?
Because NearVisionSM CK® is minimally invasive and very controlled, the procedure has exhibited very minimal risk and almost no side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after CK, you may experience tearing and some discomfort, including a foreign-object sensation in the eyes. You may also experience a slight overcorrection of your vision, allowing you to see better up close, but possibly making your distance vision appear slightly blurry at first. This will stabilize during the following weeks.
Are there restrictions after having CK?
As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After the NearVisionSM CK® procedure, patients should avoid getting contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week. They should also avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Women should avoid eye makeup for several days after the procedure.
Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVisionSM CK®?
No. And no honest eye surgeon can absolutely guarantee a certain result from any vision treatment procedure. However, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87 percent of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the distance, and were able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having NearVisionSM CK® (12 month follow-up data).
Will my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVisionSM CK® procedure?
Because NearVisionSM CK® is considered elective (cosmetic) surgery, most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available to make NearVisionSM CK® more affordable. For more information about financing, check with our staff.
Can CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
NearVisionSM CK® was designed for Baby Boomers who struggle to read menus, price tags, or on their computers—symptoms of fading near vision, which require steepening of the cornea. NearVisionSM CK® is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia, or nearsightedness.
Who is right for NearVisionSM CK®?
You're likely a good candidate for NearVisionSM CK® if you:
- Are at least 40 years of age
- Have great distance vision without glasses or contact lenses
- Dislike wearing reading glasses
To determine if NearVisionSM CK® is right for you, schedule a free consultation to discuss the complete list of indications and contraindications.
