NearVision CK
Chicago, Illinois
NearVision CK known as Conductive Keratoplasty is not a laser procedure. It was specifically developed specifically for those who have good vision for distance either naturally or after Laser Refractive Surgery and now want to find freedom from their reading glasses.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a safe procedure that doesn’t involve cutting of the cornea. A special probe applies radio waves to the cornea to improve near vision. CK is not a permanent procedure, but think of it like BOTOX® for your reading vision. Different people get different results. Most people achieve between one and three years of visual freedom before needing another treatment. Generally three to four treatments are possible. Best of all, its safe and takes only minutes.
How NearVision CK works
CK is a quick procedure performed in the office without the need for any cutting at all. In much less than five minutes, patients walk out of the office and have a day without restriction.
The procedure
The radio waves (RF energy) of CK changes the curvature of the cornea so that you have an easier time seeing objects up close. Numbing drops are placed and then a probe touches your cornea eight times in a specific pattern to cause the corneal tissues to shrink and steepen the cornea. This pattern is applied outside of the visual axis so that there is minimal interference with your central vision. A special device holds your eye open while the procedure is being performed.
There is no need to wear a patch or special glasses. Most people relax the day of their procedure, but normal activities are allowed. A scratchy feeling is to be expected for the first day or two and medicines are given to help with the mild discomfort. Reading vision can be better instantly, others may notice that it can take several days for the near vision to get better. Interestingly, the distance vision gets better over a several month period of time leaving most individuals with excellent reading vision and better distance vision than they would have with monovision.
CK is not a permanent procedure but can turn the clock back safely and without cutting. After enjoying good reading vision, many then decide to have a more permanent procedure such as LASIK or PRK.
CK is also a safe way of fine tuning the vision of those who are farsighted either naturally or after a laser procedure.
Risks and complications
Overall, CK is a safe procedure. Potential side effects include a foreign body sensation or discomfort for a few days. Some may notice halos around lights or glare when driving and some may find their point of focus too close to their liking for a while. Others may need an additional treatment spot if they have induced astigmatism.
CK is for people 40 or older who want improved near vision and reduced dependence on reading glasses. This is not a procedure for those with nearsightedness. To find out if you are a good candidate for CK, contact our office for a free screening evaluation.
- Are you a good candidate for CK?
- Do you need glasses to see things up close?
- Do you have good vision for distance either naturally or since Laser Vision Correction?
- Are you sick of wearing reading glasses?
