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How is CK performed?
CK uses the controlled release of radiofrequency (RF) energy, instead
of a laser, to reshape the cornea. 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).
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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 farsightedness.
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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.
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Will my vision improve immediately after surgery?
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.
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Will my vision fluctuate after surgery is performed?
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 hyperopia, regardless
of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization period
than those treated for myopia.
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Are both eyes treated on the same day?
For patients who require 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 in-office
with only topical anesthesia.
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Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?
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.
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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 of 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 getting back to work.
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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 surgery, there may be some mild discomfort, and
many patients experience a foreign-object sensation or a slight
"scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides within
24 hours of the procedure.
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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. Some patients who are very nervous and have a high level of
anxiety about the procedure will be given a mild sedative to help
them relax.
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Why doesn't CK use a laser?
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).
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Will the instrument used in the CK procedure penetrate my cornea?
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 CK
procedure and guarantees the precise depth of treatment.
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What are the risks and side effects of Conductive Keratoplasty?
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.
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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 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.
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Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following CK?
No. And 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.
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Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?
The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses of any
kind 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, and no
one can avoid presbyopia, the natural result of aging that occurs
when the lens in your eye loses flexibility. CK is currently in
Phase III clinical trials to study its effectiveness in treating
presbyopia.
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Can CK treat astigmatism?
The CK procedure is being studied internationally for the
treatment of astigmatism.
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Can CK treat presbyopia?
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.
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Can CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
CK was designed for hyperopla, or farsightedness, where the cornea
requires steepening. CK is not designed to flatten the cornea,
the effect required for the treatment of myopia.
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Can CK be used to treat over-
or under-correction from LASIK or other refractive procedures?
CK is currently being studied in an international clinical trial
for use in treating over- or under-correction resulting from LASIK
and PRK.
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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
surgery to carefully consider. To make sure CK is right for you,
seek the advice of your surgeon.
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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,
ask your eye surgeon.
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Who is CK right for?
CK has been approved for patients with mild to moderate hyperopia
(up to +3.00 diopters). 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 CK, obtain a thorough examination
from your eye surgeon, and seek his or her recommendations.
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How is a precise amount of RF energy
and depth of treatment ensured during the CK procedure?
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.
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What is the risk of the collagen
being overheated and causing scarring?
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.
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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 not
recommended for patients who are wearing a pacemaker.
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What enables CK to be performed
in-office?
CK is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require cutting
of the cornea, and therefore does not carry the associated risks
or surgical complications. The procedure is relatively quick and
easy to perform — taking an average of just 3 minutes.
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To find out if you qualify as a candidate
for this procedure,
call 1-877 EYESIGHT or 310-208-3937.
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