CK - Conduct Keratoplasty

The goal of CK is to free a patient from lenses needed to correct their farsightedness or presbyopia. In recent 12-month results for the procedure in treating farsightedness, most patients did not need lenses. Fifty-six percent of the patients had 20/20 vision or better, 70% had 20/25 or better and 93% had 20/40 or better. These results were also done with no retreatments, so in non-test conditions the results would be slightly more positive.

If the results for CK remain comparable to other approved technologies in trials, unique benefits of this procedure compared to others would be an anticipated lower cost, the less invasive nature of the procedure, the possibility of a more stable outcome, and the possibility to do both eyes in the same day. The procedure will probably cost less because the machine that delivers the radio frequency energy is much less costly than a laser.

The patient is taken into the minor surgery suite where he/she lays down under the operating microscope. Anesthetic drops are placed in the eye to numb them. Depending on the type and severity of the cornea curvature, thermal spots are positioned in one or more ring formations just outside of the line of sight of the eye. The surgeon does this by placing the tiny penetrating tip of the radio frequency generator into the cornea and applying the energy. The conductive qualities of the corneal tissue transfer the energy as heat, denaturing the collagen at the spot. The circular column of flattened corneal tissue that is formed is very small, approximately 100 microns wide and 500 microns deep. When created in ring formations this increases (steepens) the curvature of the cornea, enabling the eye to focus on near objects.

Once the desired curvature is achieved, the patient then leaves the operating suite and begins administering antibiotic and analgesic eye drops four times a day. A prescription for a pain medicine is also provided, though most patients do not need to take more than a Tylenol or aspirin postoperatively.

There will be a fee for participating in the limited performance of the procedure during the approval process, but at the time of the writing of this article it is yet to be determined. You should contact individual doctors for more updated information.

Use our payment calculator to see what your monthly payments might be if you financed this procedure.

1. What are the benefits of this surgery and what chances do I have of getting these benefits?
2. What are the risks involved in this surgery and what are the chances of me encountering these risks?
3. What other procedures for retreatments are avialable if I am unhappy with my vision?
4. Do you offer patient financing?

• Not wear your contacts for two (soft) or three (hard) weeks before the initial consultation to ensure an accurate measure of your corneal curvature.
• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications that you are taking. Include any self-prescribed medications that your are taking, such as herbs or other natural remedies.
• Carefully follow the doctor's instructions regarding the use of eye drops after the surgery.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

The information on this web site is intended only as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

• The art of Choosing an Eye Care Specialist
• Questions for your eye doctor

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