Laser Center Procedures

NearVision CK®

NearVision CK® (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a quick, new procedure that can provide great relief for patients who:

Have difficulty seeing fine print text and computer screens
Need to reposition materials in order to obtain proper focus
Have difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving
Need to use reading glasses
Experience eye fatigue

These symptoms are the general characteristics of presbyopia, a form of farsightness that is also known as the “aging eye,” which until now has been very difficult to treat. NearVision CK was designed to correct presbyopia (which can also treat mild to moderate farsightness, or hyperopia).

What is Presbyopia?

It is a simple, non-invasive procedure with very few side effects. NearVision CK is performed while the person is awake, with the entire procedure taking only a few minutes to complete. Presbyopia is a condition of the eye, in which the lens inside the eye hardens and loses flexibility. This condition develops as our eyes age, and is most common in people who are over 40 years-old. As part of the natural aging process, presbyopia cannot be prevented and, if left untreated, may worsen over time.

How does NearVision CK work?

NearVision CK uses radio frequency (RF) energy to increase the curvature of the cornea (the “think membrane” on the front of the eye). During the procedure, radio frequency energy is targeted to certain spots around on the pupil, forming a circle. The energy causes these spots to shrink, which makes the cornea become rounder (comparable to tightening a belt).

By making the cornea rounder, the eye is better able to focus light on the retina, which brings near vision back into focus. The result is clearer vision at night, no need for reading glasses, and less eye fatigue. Who are ideal patients for NearVision CK?

The best candidates for NearVision CK are over 40 years old, tired of having to wear reading glasses, have relatively good distance vision, and have not had previous corneal or refractive surgery. Patients who have had changes in their vision over the past year and who constantly have eye problems are not ideal patients.

What will happen during the actual procedure?

During your consultation at the Pacific Eye Institute, you will have a complete eye exam to ensure that you are a good candidate. At this time, you ask any questions and learn how the procedure will be performed.

On the day of the procedure, eye drops (topical anesthetic) will be administered, which will cause a numbing effect. For patients who are anxious about the procedure, a sedative can be given; a patient who receives a sedative may need to have someone else drive him or her home after the procedure.

Once your eyes are numb, a special instrument will hold the eyelid open. The eye that is not having the procedure will be taped shut for the time-being. This may be uncomfortable, but will only be in place for about five minutes. A microscope will then be positioned over your eye, and the surgeon will ask you to look directly at the light. He or she will also mark your cornea with an inked instrument in order to provide a guiding template for the procedure.

NearVision CK will mark the application spots in a circle, centered on your pupil. These application spots are the intended target of the RF energy. It will heat up the spots on the cornea (causing them to shrink) and increase the curvature of the cornea. You may only experience a mild sense of pressure in the eye during the procedure. Following the NearVision CK treatment, the surgeon will place drops in your eye to aid in the healing process.

Recovery

After the procedure, you may be prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort and be advised to use antibiotic eye drops or lubricants for a certain period of time. You may feel like something is in your eyes (scratchy eyes) for the first few days, and may experience fluctuations in your sight. Sunglasses can help to provide better comfort during this time. You should not have to wear an eye patch after NearVision CK, and can return to work and normal activity the next day. If you notice pain or a change or loss of vision after the first week of the procedure, it is important to contact your doctor.

Potential Risks

Although the risks and side effects associated with the NearVision CK procedure are rare, some of them include: overcorrection of vision, tearing of the cornea, and the appearance of halos or glare in your vision. There is also a potential risk that the benefits of the procedure may not last as a permanent solution.