Procedure Description:

CK (conductive keratoplasty) is an eyesight correction procedure approved by the FDA to cure hyperopia, farsightedness, in April of 2002, and was recently approved (March 22, 2004) to cure presbyopia, the disease causing people over 40 to wear reading glasses. Altering the shape of the cornea, CK reduces eyestrain when reading menus and newspapers.

The target clientele for this procedure is the baby-boomer generation, whose youngest members are now approaching 50. The average age of patients is between 54 and 55. Safe and fast, CK usually produces results in a weeks time.

How It's Done:

Instead of using a laser, CK is performed with a small pen shaped instrument inserted into the cornea. This customized instrument emits and controls radiofrequency energy (RF) into the eye, producing heat that makes the cornea steeper. A treatment pattern is mapped out on the eye with eight to thirty-two treatment points. RF is then distributed to each point through the Keratoplast tip, changing the shape of the cornea. The result of this changes the way the cornea directs light to the rest of the eye.

CK takes about 3 to 5 minutes per eye, and usually only one eye is done. Pain is reduced during surgery through the use of a topical anesthetic in the form of eye drops. When necessary, a mild sedative can be given to patients who need to be more relaxed. The procedure is relatively painless, involves no cutting, and can be done in the doctor's office or clinic.

Technology:

The only technology approved for this procedure is Viewpoint CK developed by Refractec Inc. The pen shaped instrument that emits RF is as thin as a strand of hair and was engineered and designed specifically for CK. RF technology has been used for various surgeries since the 1950's, and is safe, fast and painless. Emission is regulated by the Viewpoint CK device through the Keratoplast tip.

Recovery / Post OP Expectations:

After CK is performed patients experience a very low amount of pain in the form of eye irritation or sensitivity. In many cases, patients can return to work the next day.

What to Expect after CK:

• Take antibiotic eye drops 4 times daily for 1 week
• Doctor checkups at 1 day, 1 week, and 1,3,6, and 12 months
• Improved vision within a weeks time
• Must avoid getting contaminated water, soap, and sweat in eyes
• Avoid wearing eye makeup
• Possible scratchiness or foreign object sensation in eye
• 98% of patients could read newspaper print at twelve month follow up

Complications:

CK is a minimally invasive procedure, and is, for the most part, safe and effective. Some side effects of the procedure include: double images, halos, blurry vision, and original over-correction. These side effects occur in a very small percentage and are almost always reversed by the twelve-week checkup.

Am I A Candidate:

If you are considering CK to reverse the effects of presbyopia, you should meet certain qualifications:

• At least 40 years old
• Require reading glasses
• Have had relatively good vision
• Have no eye diseases
• Have no physical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, or pacemaker
• You should meet with an ophthalmologist to consider other qualifications to determine if you will be a successful candidate.

Cost:

The average cost of CK runs from about $1,000 to $1,800 per eye. Because this is considered elective surgery, it is usually not covered by health insurance. However, many practices make financing options available to their patients.