Conductive Keratoplasty (NearVision CK)
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How
is NearVision CK performed?
NearVision CK uses radio waves,
instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea
and bring near vision back into focus. NearVision
CK is performed using a small probe, thinner than
a strand of human hair, that releases radio waves.
The probe is applied in a circular pattern on the
outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. 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 five minutes, is done in-office with
only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
Will
you be cutting the cornea?
No. NearVision CK is performed
without the cutting or removal of tissue. It is a
safe, minimally invasive procedure for those 40 years
and older who struggle to read a newspaper, menu,
alarm clock, or computer.
Is
radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
Yes. RF energy is used in today's
most advanced surgical techniques. In addition to
its use in NearVision CK, RF technology is being used
in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular
procedures.
Will
my vision improve immediately after the NearVision
CK procedure?
Patients usually notice an
immediate improvement in their vision after the NearVision
CK procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks
for the eyes to adjust to the final level of treatment.
Will
my vision fluctuate after NearVision CK is performed?
Most patients will experience
mild fluctuation in their vision after the procedure,
but few notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside
within a few weeks. Patients who have a procedure
to steepen the cornea (presbyopia or hyperopia), regardless
of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization
period than those who receive a treatment that flattens
the cornea (myopia).
Are
both eyes treated on the same day?
NearVision CK is typically
performed on just one eye. However, if a patient's
prescription requires treatment in both eyes, CK is
usually 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.
Will
I have to wear patches over my eyes after the NearVision
CK procedure?
You will not have to wear patches
or bandages. However, some surgeons may recommend
the use of a clear contact lens overnight to reduce
discomfort.
How
soon can I return to work?
With NearVision CK, the majority
of patients are able to return to work and other normal
activities the day after 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 going back to work.
What
type of anesthesia is used during the NearVision CK
procedure?
A local anesthetic in the form
of eye drops is used to numb the eye. Patients who
are nervous or have a high level of anxiety will be
given a mild sedative to help them relax.
What
will I feel during the NearVision CK procedure?
The NearVision 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 the procedure,
there may be some mild discomfort, and many patients
experience a foreign-object sensation or "scratchiness"
in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours
of the procedure.
Why
doesn't NearVision CK use a laser?
NearVision CK is a non-laser
procedure that uses controlled radio waves to improve
near vision. Rather than removing tissue with a laser,
NearVision CK reshapes the cornea by applying low-level,
radiofrequency (RF) energy 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
and bring life's details back into focus. The procedure,
which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office
with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
Will
the instrument used in the NearVision CK procedure
penetrate my cornea?
NearVision CK is performed
using a probe 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.
What
are the risks and side effects of NearVision CK?
Because NearVision CK is minimally
invasive, the procedure has exhibited very minimal
risk and almost no side effects. During the first
24 to 48 hours after NearVision 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 NearVision
CK doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side
effects associated with other vision treatment procedures
have not been observed with NearVision CK.
Are
there restrictions after having NearVision CK?
As with any vision treatment
procedure where the cornea is altered, certain precautions
should be taken. After the NearVision 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
the procedure. Also, patients should avoid rubbing
their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the
procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye
makeup for one week after the procedure.
Am
I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVision CK?
No. And no honest doctor can
absolutely guarantee a certain result from any vision
treatment procedure. However, nearly 90% of patients
have 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the
distance and were able to read phonebook-size print
(smaller than newsprint) after having NearVision CK.
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 particular
refractive disorder, 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.
Is
NearVision CK reversible?
As with most vision correction
procedures, NearVision 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 undergoing a vision
correction procedure to carefully consider. To make
sure NearVision CK is right for you, seek the advice
of your doctor.
Can
NearVision CK treat presbyopia (the need for reading
glasses)?
NearVision CK is FDA approved
for the treatment of presbyopia and low levels of
hyperopia (farsightedness).
Can
NearVision CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
NearVision CK was designed
for baby boomers who struggle to read menus, price
tags or see their computer-symptoms of fading near
vision which require a steepening of the cornea. NearVision
CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect
required for the treatment of myopia.
Will
my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVision
CK procedure?
Because NearVision CK is considered
elective surgery (cosmetic), most health insurance
plans do not cover it. Financing options are available
to make NearVision CK more affordable. For more information
about financing, ask your patient counselor.
Who
is NearVision CK right for?
You're likely a good candidate
for NearVision CK if you:
 |
Are at least 40 years of age |
|
Have had great vision your
whole life |
|
Have no eye conditions such
as glaucoma, severe dryness, keratoconus, herpes
of the eye, amblyopia (lazy eye), corneal dystrophy
or macular degeneration |
|
Have had no significant changes
in your eyeglass prescription over the past year |
|
Require reading glasses to
compensate for fading near vision |
To determine if NearVision CK is
right for you, visit the UCLA Laser Refractive Center
to discuss the complete list of indications and contraindications.
Can
NearVision CK be performed on patients who have a
pacemaker?
The NearVision CK equipment
can produce interference that may adversely influence
the operation of other electronic equipment. Therefore,
NearVision CK is contraindicated for patients who
are wearing a pacemaker.
What
enables NearVision CK to be performed in-office?
Near Vision 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 five minutes.
How
is a precise amount of RF energy and depth of treatment
ensured during the CK procedure?
The equipment used by the UCLA
Laser Refractive Center for NearVision CK 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 tip of the probe 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.
How
long will the correction last?
NearVision CK should be thought
of as "turning the clock back" on the presbyopic
aging process. The effect typically lasts from 5 to
7 years, depending on the age when you receive your
first treatment. In many cases, another treatment
may be performed one time to "turn the clock
back" once again. The NearVision CK procedure
is not permanent since it is not treating the crystalline
lens inside the eye that is ultimately responsible
for presbyopia (loss of near vision with aging).
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