What is CK?
How is the procedure performed?
Risks and Complications
Is CK right for me?
FAQs

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) for Near Vision

When we turn 40, our eyes begin losing their ability to easily focus on near objects. This can be the result of two different conditions:

Presbyopia: when the lens in the eye loses flexibility because of age. This causes problems in the way our eyes focus light. Most people over age 45 and everyone over age 50 suffer from this condition. We actually start to lose this lens flexibility as children, however, it is only after age 45 or so that it progresses to the point where our eyes are too short to compensate.

Farsightedness (hyperopia): when the surface of the eye (cornea) is too flat, changing the way our eye focuses light. Young eyes are often strong enough to compensate, which is why it may only be a problem after age 40.

What is CK?

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a safe, is a non-laser procedure developed specifically for baby boomers who have had clear vision all their life, but now struggle to see life's details with reading glasses. Using the first FDA-approved technology for patients who are presbyopic (farsightedness due to aging) and hyperopic (far-sightedness) physicians have performed over 125,000 treatments, and in the process, are helping patients "see young, again."

CK is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that involves no cutting of your cornea. CK is the only FDA-approved technology for the temporary improvement of near vision. This makes it an ideal procedure for people over 40, for whom safety is often the most important factor in their decision to undergo a vision correction procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Using radiofrequency (RF) energy, CK can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to make it steeper. After Dr. Benjamin has applied a topical anesthetic (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 improved vision may be temporary. While CK can turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.

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

Risks and complications

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:

Is CK right for me?

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty ) is intended for people over 40 who want to improve their near vision and reduce their dependence on reading glasses. CK is not intended for people with myopia (nearsightedness). All patients considering vision correction should undergo a complete examination prior to the procedure.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CK

How is CK performed?

CK uses radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back into focus. 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).

[ back to top ]

Will you be cutting the cornea?

No. 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, or computer.

[ back to top ]

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 CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.

[ back to top ]

Will my vision improve immediately after the CK procedure?

Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after the CK procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to adjust to the final level of treatment.

[ back to top ]

Will my vision fluctuate after 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).

[ back to top ]

Are both eyes treated on the same day?

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 with only topical anesthesia.

[ back to top ]

Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the CK procedure?

You will not have to wear patches or bandages.

[ back to top ]

How soon can I return to work?

With 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 several days following the procedure before going back to work.

[ back to top ]

What type of anesthesia is used during the CK procedure?

A local 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.

[ back to top ]

What will I feel during the CK procedure?

The CK procedure is considered painless. You will be aware of a support (speculum), which helps to hold your eye open. The most common sensation that patients experience is a feeling of pressure on the eye. After the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort, and many patients experience a foreign-object sensation or "scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.

[ back to top ]

Why doesn't CK use a laser?

CK is a non-laser procedure that uses controlled radio waves to improve near vision. Rather than removing tissue with a laser, CK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method: the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea, to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. This circular pattern acts like a belt tightening around the 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 anesthesia (eye drops).

[ back to top ]

Will the instrument used in the CK procedure penetrate my cornea?

[ back to top ]

How is a precise amount of RF energy and depth of treatment ensured during the CK procedure?

The technology used during the procedure was engineered and designed specifically for performing CK. This means that the precise amount of RF energy needed to affect the corneal tissue, at the precise tissue temperature and depth of treatment, were meticulously investigated and defined. The KeratoplastT Tip penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes a plastic stop at the very distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration.

[ back to top ]

What are the risks and side effects of CK?

Because CK is minimally invasive, 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 initial slight over-correction of your vision, which stabilizes during the following weeks. However, because CK doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated with other vision treatment procedures have not been observed with CK.

[ back to top ]

Are there restrictions after having CK?

As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After the CK procedure, patients should avoid getting contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week. This includes water from swimming pools, spas, lakes and the ocean. When showering or taking baths, patients should keep their eyes closed in order to avoid getting soap and dirty water into their eyes. When exercising, sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after the procedure. Also, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure.

[ back to top ]

Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following CK?

No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a certain result from any vision treatment procedure. However, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having CK (12-month follow-up data).

[ back to top ]

Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?

The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses for most tasks after the CK procedure. However, depending on your age and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision treatment at some point (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals). This is because your eyes continue to change as you age.

[ back to top ]

Is the CK procedure considered permanent?

Both presbyopia and hyperopia are progressive diseases, which means that as people age, their eyes will continue to change - with or without surgical treatment.

[ back to top ]

Is CK reversible?

As with most vision treatment procedures, CK is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed, it is not possible to "remove" its effects. This is an important factor for anyone thinking about undergoing a vision treatment procedure to carefully consider. To make sure CK is right for you, please book an appointment to have your vision assessed.

[ back to top ]

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the CK procedure?

Because CK is considered elective surgery (cosmetic), most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available to make CK more affordable. For more information about financing, check out www.carecredit.com

[ back to top ]

Can CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?

CK was designed for baby boomers who struggle to read menus, price tags or see their computer - symptoms of fading near vision which require a steepening of the cornea. CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia.

[ back to top ]

Can CK be performed on patients who have a pacemaker?

The CK equipment can produce interference that may adversely influence the operation of other electronic equipment. Therefore, CK is contraindicated for patients who are wearing a pacemaker.

[ back to top ]

To schedule an appointment, please call 310.275.5533 and we would be happy to help you or click here.