NearVisionSM
CK® (Conductive Keratoplasty) has been recently been approved
by the FDA. NearVisionSM CK® unlike CK is the first FDA
approved procedure to improve vision for people with presbyopia. NearVisionSM
CK® uses radiofrequency (RF) energy instead of a laser. The procedure
can be conveniently performed in our office using only a topical (eye
drop) anesthesia. For additional information, click
here.
By changing the way your
cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) directs light to the rest
of your eye, NearVisionSM CK® effectively treats the
condition known as presbyopia.
NearVisionSM CK®
uses the same controlled release of radiofrequency (RF) energy as CK,
instead of a
laser, to reshape the cornea. NearVisionSM CK® is performed
using a small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases
radiofrequency (RF) energy. The probe is applied in a circular pattern
on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. 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).
NearVisionSM
CK® is performed without the cutting or removal of tissue. It is
a safe, minimally invasive procedure for farsightedness. The use of
RF energy is one of today's most advanced surgical techniques. In addition
to its use in NearVisionSM CK®, RF technology is being
used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.
For patients who require
treatment in both eyes, NearVisionSM CK® is typically
performed on both eyes on the same day - one eye immediately after the
other. Most patients are comfortable having the NearVisionSM
CK® procedure performed on both eyes on the same day because the
procedure is minimally invasive, takes less than three minutes and is
done in-office with only topical anesthesia.
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after
surgery, but few notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside within
a few weeks. Patients who are treated for presbyopia, regardless of
the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization period than those
treated for myopia. You will not have to wear patches or bandages, however
many surgeons will recommend temporary clear lenses (similar to contact
lenses but without a prescription) to protect the eyes and to reduce
any potential discomfort.
NearVisionSM
CK® is performed using a probe (Keratoplast™ Tip) that is as
thin as a strand of human hair. The probe, introduced into the cornea,
applies controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy, stabilizes the NearVisionSM
CK® procedure and guarantees the precise depth of treatment.
About CK®
"CK" is the first
alternative to laser for farsightedness. 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. The procedure, which takes
less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia
(eye drops).
Because CK is minimally invasive and extremely precise, 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.
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 surgery. Also, patients
should avoid rubbing the eyes vigorously for two weeks following the
procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye makeup for one week
after surgery. No honest surgeon can absolutely guarantee a certain
result from any vision treatment procedure. At this time, nearly 95%
of patients with low to moderate ranges of hyperopia achieve normal
or near-normal vision after CK.
The CK procedure is currently
in FDA Phase III clinical trials to study its effectiveness in treating
presbyopia. CK is being studied to treat presbyopia through a technique
called monovision, in which one eye is treated for near vision and the
other for distance vision. The minimally invasive technique and excellent
safety profile of CK offer the potential to change the way presbyopic
patients are treated. The FDA has now approved the Phase III, NearVisionSM
CK®.
CK was designed for hyperopia,
or farsightedness, where the cornea requires steepening. CK is not designed
to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia.
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 surgery
to carefully consider. To make sure CK is right for you, seek the advice
of your surgeon.
The FDA has recently changed its guidelines for stability because hyperopia
is a progressive disease, which means as people age their level of farsightedness
will increase - with or without surgical treatment. It's for this reason
that the FDA defines even hyperopic LASIK as temporary [on its Web site].
Clinical data shows CK's stability is similar to hyperopic LASIK and
significantly better than other refractive procedures, like LTK (laser
thermal keratoplasty). And, because CK is a minimally invasive procedure
it presents a much more attractive option for a future enhancement.
Because there's no cutting or removal of tissue, CK doesn't carry many
of the risks associated with other refractive procedures when repeated.
Who is NearVisionSM
CK® right for?
NearVisionSM CK® has been approved for patients with
presbyopia. The following are some basic criteria you must meet to be
considered a good candidate for CK:
· -Be at least 40 years of age
· -Have no drastic changes in vision or eyeglass prescription
within the past year
· -Have no eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe dryness, keratoconus,
herpes of the eye, aggressive keloid formation or corneal dystrophy
· -Have no physical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy or
nursing, and vascular or autoimmune diseases. To determine if you are
a candidate for NearVisionSM CK®, obtain a thorough examination
from your eye surgeon, and seek his or her recommendations. The ViewPoint™
CK System was engineered and designed specifically for the CK procedure.
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 Keratoplast™ Tip
penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes a Teflon®
stop at the very distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration.
The risk of the collagen
being heated above the optimal or permanent shrinkage temperature is
almost nonexistent with the CK system. Comprehensive thermal modeling
and long-term clinical effectiveness and stability data ensure that
the system consistently and accurately reaches the appropriate temperature
to induce optimal tissue shrinkage.
