Save This Page to Del.icio.us Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) Surgery Resources for Patients
What is Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)?
Conductive Keratoplasty or CK is the #1 non-laser refractive procedure in the United States, with more than 150,000 procedures performed to date. CK temporarily improves near vision for patients who wear reading glasses (presbyopes), and patients who are farsighted and wear reading glasses (hyperopic presbyopes). CK works by steepening the cornea, which brings objects up close into clear focus. CK’s key benefit is that it is non-invasive. No lasers or blades are used to cut into the eye.
How Conductive Keratoplasty works
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) uses mild heat from radio waves to shrink the glue-like connective tissue (collagen) around the outside edges of the cornea. The heat causes the cornea to steepen which in turn, alters how the eye focuses incoming light onto the retina, bringing close objects into clear focus. This gives hyperopic (farsighted) patients with presbyopia better vision both near and far, and improves near vision for patients with presbyopia alone.
Before CK
A thorough eye examination will be conducted to determine your eyeglass/contact lens prescription (refractive error) and the amount of corneal modification needed to correct your vision. A corneal topographer is used to create a curvature map of your cornea. The map will exhibit the cornea’s various steep and flat areas and will aid your physician in establishing treatment.
The CK Procedure
- A topical anesthetic (eye drops) is applied to minimize discomfort
- A speculum is used to hold your eyelids open
- A rinse-away dye marks a treatment blueprint on your cornea, showing where the radio frequency will be applied
- The surgeon uses a pen-shaped hand-piece ontaining a tiny probe, thinner than a strand of hair, which releases the RF energy
- RF energy is applied in a circular pattern around the periphery of the cornea causing the corneal tissue to shrink
- Resulting curvature of the cornea brings near vision back into focus
CK can be performed in the ophthalmologist's office. Only a few seconds of the treatment are required for each eye. Both eyes can be treated during the same visit. The entire procedure lasts 15 minutes. CK is painless, although some patients say they feel slight pressure on the eye during the procedure.
After CK
Eye drops that help prevent infection and reduce inflammation are prescribed. Bandage (non-prescription) contact lenses may be worn for a few days to minimize discomfort. You can leave the doctor's office immediately following CK, but someone must drive you home.
Some patients experience a foreign body sensation when the topical anesthetic wears off (about 20 to 30 minutes after the procedure). During the first week after having CK, some patients experience slightly nearsighted vision. Wearing sunglasses for up to one week is suggested for those who find they are sensitive to bright light. These side effects are temporary and typically clear up quickly.
Are you a likely candidate for Conductive Keratoplasty ?
You're likely a good candidate for Conductive Keratoplasty if you:
- Are over age 40
- Have a refractive error between +0.75 and +3.25 diopters, with no more than 0.75 diopters of astigmatism
- Have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription (no change within one year before the surgery).
- Require reading glasses to improve near vision
You're likely a NOT good candidate for Conductive Keratoplasty if you:
- Wear a pacemaker for regulating your heart (or similar electronic equipment)
- Are nearsighted (myopic)
Risks and Complications
A number of surgery-related complications are associated with CK. Side effects are rare and may include:
- Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation
- Glare
- Halos
- Overcorrection
- Tearing
Contact your physician immediately if you experience severe pain or a sudden decrease in vision.