Conductive Keratoplasty From Advance VisionCare

The CK Procedure

CK is designed to treat your near vision using the controlled release of radio frequency energy to strengthen the cornea - this procedure does not use a laser or any cutting, therefore is minimally invasive, safe and convenient alternative to reading glasses.

After your assessment the CK procedure only takes a few minutes. Eyedrops are applied to the eye to ensure a painless procedure. A circular treatment pattern is gently placed on the cornea with washable ink as a guide. Radiowaves are applied to the cornea using a probe thinner than a human hair to tighten areas of collagen in the cornea which acts to steepen the before and after shape to improve near vision.

• Non laser treatment so minimally invasive
• Procedure only takes 3 minutes
• Almost immediate results - you will be able to read better immediately after the treatment

The Procedure

Using radiofrequency (RF) energy, CK can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to make it steeper. After the doctor has applied a topical anaesthetic (eye drops), 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 improvement to your vision may not last as the condition presbyopia is progressive. Additional treatment may be necessary in the future. While CK can turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.

CK can also help patients with long-sightedness, or hyperopia, a condition in which the eye is too flat. CK modifies the topographical (surface) curvature, making it steeper and therefore improving distance vision.

Risks and Complications

More than 150,000 have been performed worldwide and we are seeing an amazing safety profile with no major complications although 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 CK procedure.

Some side effects include:

• Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation – for 2/3 days after treatment
• Glare – up to 1 month post treatment
• Halos – up to 1 month post treatment
• Overcorrection – for a few weeks
• Dry Eyes- may occur for first few days

Is CK right for me?

CK is intended for people in their mid forties and over who want to improve their near vision and reduce their dependence on reading glasses. CK is not intended for people with myopia (short-sightedness). All patients considering vision correction will undergo a complete examination prior to the procedure.

You're likely to be a good candidate for CK if you:

• Are over 40
• Have great vision throughout your life
• Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision

For futher information see our Am I Suitable ? section for more details on indication and contra indications for CK.