FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is CK performed?
CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) uses radio waves instead of a laser to reshape the cornea and bring your near vision back into focus. It is performed using a small probe thinner than a human hair that is applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. This shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band, like the tightening of a belt, which increases the overall curvature of the cornea. The procedure takes less than three minutes and is done in our office with topical anesthesia (eye drops).

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Does CK require a laser?
Rather than removing tissue with a laser, CK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method--the application of radiofrequency energy--to increase the overall curvature of the cornea and improve your near vision.

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Will you be cutting the cornea?
CK is performed without the cutting or removal of tissue. Using a probe as thin as a strand of human hair, radiofrequency energy is applied to the cornea in a circular pattern to steepen the overall curvature of the cornea, resulting in improved near vision.

The three treatment zones

Steepening the cornea improves near vision

Can CK correct nearsightedness?
CK was designed for baby boomers who struggle to read menus, price tags, or to see their computer--symptoms of fading near vision which require a steepening of the cornea. CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness).

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Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?
Depending on your age and your type of refractive disorder, you may need additional vision correction at some point. This is because your eyes will continue to change as you age.

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Will my vision improve immediately after the procedure?
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after CK. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to reach the final level of correction.

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Will my vision fluctuate after the procedure?
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after the procedure, which will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who undergo vision procedures for farsightedness usually require a longer stabilization period than those treated for nearsightedness.

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What results can I expect?

Near Vision Improvement:
Two-thirds of our patients have good distance vision and want to improve their near vision, thus they require CK in only one eye. It is a technique used widely in contact lenses and LASIK for patients over 40. It is similar to the sound you hear from stereo speakers: a different sound comes from each one, but they work together to provide the entire range of sound. With CK, you can see a more complete range of distance and near again.

Distance Vision Improvement:
One-third of our patients require CK in both eyes because they have become more farsighted with age. They benefit from having treatment in one eye to sharpen their distance vision, and treatment in the other eye to sharpen their near vision. These patients experience improvement in near vision and improve on average from 20/40 to 20/20 at distance.

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Are both eyes treated on the same day?
CK is typically performed on just one eye. However, for patients who require treatment in both eyes, CK is typically performed on both eyes on the same day because the procedure is minimally invasive and requires only a few minutes to perform.


How soon will I be able to return to work?
The majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities one to three days after CK. Although recovery is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your eyes and avoid any strain. Those whose jobs demand intense clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery, or computer work) may find their work more difficult to perform for several days after the procedure.

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What will I feel during the procedure?
CK is virtually painless. You will be aware of a lid support used to help hold your eyes 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, which usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.

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Will I have to wear eye patches following CK?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages. However, your eyes may feel scratchy and light sensitive for the first 24 to 36 hours. Wearing sunglasses and keeping your eyes closed as much as possible will help ease these symptoms.

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What are the restrictions after having CK?
As with any other type of vision procedure, certain precautions should be taken after CK. Avoid getting contaminated water in your eyes for at least one week, including water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, and the ocean. When bathing, keep your eyes closed to avoid getting soap or water in them. When exercising, sweat should be kept away from the eyes for at least one week after surgery. Eye makeup should not be worn for one week. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes for two weeks following the procedure.

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Is CK permanent? Is it reversible?
With CK, we are able to turn back the hands of time, but we cannot stop the clock from ticking. We can return you to the time when you just started relying on glasses for close work. As you age, so do your eyes. Although the effect of CK is permanent, your vision will continue to naturally weaken with time. As with most vision correction procedures, CK is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed, it is not possible to remove its effects. Make sure to discuss your vision needs with your optometrist to make sure CK is right for you.

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What are the risks and side effects?
Because CK is minimally invasive and very controlled, the procedure has very few surgical complications. During the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, you may experience tearing and some discomfort, including the sensation of a foreign object in the eye. You amy also experience a slight overcorrection of your vision, allowing you to see better at near, although your distance may be blurry. Your vision will stabilize during the following weeks.

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How much does it cost?
The facility and surgeon fees for CK at Southern Eye Associates is $ 899 per eye. This includes your pre-operative and post-operative care for six full months. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express credit cards. Because LASIK is considered elective surgery (cosmetic), most health insurance plans do not cover it. However, Southern Eye Associates also offers financing through ChaseHealthAdvance. You can learn more about this financing option by visiting www.chasehealthadvance.com, or by calling their toll-free number at (888) 519-6111. We also offer financing through CareCredit. Visit them at www.carecredit.com or call them at (800) 365-8295.

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