What is Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)?

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a safe, 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.

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 a topical anesthetic (eye drops) has been applied, 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:

• Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation
• Glare 
• Halos
• Overcorrection
• Tearing

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:

• Are over age 40
• Had great vision your whole life
• Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision