Near Vision CK by David A. Wallace MD The least invasive method of enabling near vision is referred to as CK (for "conductive keratoplasty"). CK applies radio-frequency energy to the peripheral cornea in a circular pattern. This produces local tissue shrinkage and induces a relative flattening of corneal curvature peripherally, with consequent steepening of curvature centrally. The steepened central curvature increases the focal power of the eye, causing a shift in focus to either reduce farsightedness or increase one's ability to view near objects.
 Near Vision CK © Refractec; All Rights Reserved. | CK is performed in an office setting using anesthetic drops. There are very few complications associated with CK. Some patients may experience discomfort and light sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Since the collagen that has been treated changes as you age, the procedure may need to be repeated every few years.
CK received FDA approval in late '02 for treatment of mild degrees of farsightedness. The treatment of presbyopia (instead of farsightedness) is considered an "off-label" use by the FDA, but the reality is that presbyopia reduction is the main reason patients seek, and surgeons provide, CK.
One known characteristic of CK or any tissue-shrinking treatment is that healthy tissue heals, and shrinkage can fade over time, causing the optical effect to diminish. While CK may be a treatment for presbyopia, it is not a cure. CK is not designed or intended to correct astigmatism. |