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What is Conductive Keratoplasty?
Conductive Keratoplasty is a collagen-shrinkage procedure that can change the shape of the cornea, steepening the central cornea by creating a circumferential band of collagen shrinkage outside the optical zone. It is recommended for patients with a hyperopia, or lonsightedness of more than 1.00 diopter and have difficulty with near vision. It is a contact technique which uses a thin-tipped probe to introduce controlled radiofrequency energy into the stroma of the peripheral cornea. The treatment increases the temperature of the cornea consistently to 65degrees C throughout 75% of its depth. This ultimately leads to permanent shrinkage of the deep column of collagen measuring l00 microns wide by 500 microns deep.
What are the Advantages of NearVisionCK?
Gives near vision
* Non-laser procedure
* Technically easier to perform than Laser
* Safer than Lasik because there no potential flap complications
* Creates a larger optical zone than Lasik
Micro-thin Keratoplast tip is thinner than 7-0 suture
How does CK and Lasik Differ?
With Lasik, a flap is made and the laser is used in the periphery thereby steepening the central cornea, the flap is then replaced. With CK a probe is used in the periphery to shrink the collagen thereby steepening the central cornea. Depending on the amount of correction needed, between 8 and 24 spots are applied in two or three rings located at 6, 7 and 8mm.
The NearVisionCK Procedure
. Qualified candidates are given topical anaesthesia (eye drops) and the eye lid is held open with a lid speculum. After marking the visual axis, an inked template is placed on the cornea that identifies 6-7-and 8mm zones divided into 8 meridians.
Depending on your prescription, 8, l6, or 24 spots are applied. The procedure is done in a lying down position.
Are you a candidate?
Your first step toward good vision with unaided eyes is to schedule a free, no-obligation eye examination with Dr. Fitterman. In general, the following factors determined whether or not CK will work for you:
* Your refraction has been stable for a minimum of 6 months prior to surgery
* Your vision problem is mild hyperopia(less than 1.00 diopter) and you need reading glasses
* Your best corrected vision is 20/20 or better in both eyes
* You are not pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant
* You are in good health
* You have had no ophthalmic surgery in either eye
* You have no acute or chronic disease, illness or systemic condition known to affect healing (i.e. diabetes, autoimmune disease)
* You have no evidence of corneal or retinal diseases, including keratoconus, herpetic or lid diseases
* You have no history of chemical abuse
* You have no history of herpes zoster or herpes simplex
* You have no history of keloid formation
* You do not have glaucoma
If all or most of the following statements are true for you, then you probably will be happy with the results of this procedure:
1. If CK can free me from reading glasses, and improves my quality of life, it is worth the investment.
2. I would like not to have to wear reading glasses on a regular basis
3. I don’t tolerate contact lenses very well.
4. My career opportunities will improve if I do not have to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
5. I like the way I look better without glasses.
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Benefits of NearVisionCK No discomfort
Short procedure time, under 3 minutes per eye
Good Stability and Predictability
Patients have achieved stability by 3 months and very little signs of regression
Safe & Effective
There have been no complications or permanent adverse effects associated with the procedure
Career Opportunities
Normal, uncorrected near vision can help you qualify for any job
Save Money
The costs of contact lenses, solutions and glasses amount to thousands of dollars over the years
Save Time
In one year, the average contact lens wearer spends nearly 60 hours wetting, soaking, rubbing, cleaning and otherwise maintaining lenses
Appearance
Many people prefer the way they look without glasses
Frequently Asked Questions 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 three 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 baby boomers who struggle to read a newspaper, menu, alarm clock or computer.
Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
Yes. The use of RF energy is one of 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 typically 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.
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. Those 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 using an entirely different method: the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy applied 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 (Keratoplast™ Tip) 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.
How is a precise amount of RF energy and depth of treatment ensured during the NearVision CK procedure?
The technology used during the procedure was engineered and designed specifically for performing NearVision CK. 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 Keratoplast™ Tip penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes a plastic stop at the very distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration.
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, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having NearVision CK (12-month follow-up data).
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.
Who is NearVision CK right for? You’re likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
• Are over age 40
• Had great vision your whole life
• Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision
To determine if NearVision CK is right for you, visit an ophthalmologist to discuss the complete list of indications and contraindications.
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.
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 3 minutes.
Cost & Financing
The cost for CK is $1500.00 for each eye. IN USA.