Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Overview

CK is an in-office procedure designed to aid people over age 40 who have good distance vision but now have trouble seeing up close for reading and other near tasks (a condition called presbyopia). Less commonly, CK can also be used to correct farsightedness (hyperopia). The procedure lasts about three minutes.

Preparation

The eye is numbed, and the surrounding area is cleaned. The eyelids are opened with an instrument called a lid speculum.

Tightening the Cornea

The doctor lightly touches a pen-shaped probe to the cornea. The probe emits radiofrequency (RF) energy from a thin, cool tip about the width of a human hair. The doctor traces a circular pattern of treatment spots around the cornea. The RF energy causes small areas of corneal tissue to shrink, tightening the cornea and correcting its curvature.

End of Procedure/After Care

No eye patch is required after the procedure. Patients can generally return to work the same day, and vision will begin to improve in about a week.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.