CK: CONDUCTIVE KERATOPLASTY
What if you could reduce your dependence on reading glasses - those unwelcome reminders that age is catching up with you? What if you could enjoy your morning paper without squinting? Read a menu without difficulty? Even work on the computer without headaches? What if there was a procedure for your farsightedness that did not involve cutting or a laser? We’d like to introduce you to CK-- a new vision procedure that can help decrease your dependence on glasses to see things close up.
 CK is an exciting option for patients over 40 with farsightedness who want to have clear vision without the use of reading glasses. Designed to treat farsightedness without using a laser, CK uses the controlled release of radio frequency energy, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and steepen corneal tissue. There is no cutting or tissue removal as in other refractive procedures. Radio frequency is one of today’s most advanced surgical technologies. In the past it has been used in other procedures such as prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, and cardiovascular procedures, and now it is being used successfully to correct vision.
CK has been found to successfully restore the ability to see close-up or read small print in people over 40. Even for those with perfect vision, the eye's ability to see closer objects, and also the ability to shift between distant and close objects, begins to decrease at about age 40 and typically grows progressively worse with age. Currently, over 70 million Americans over the age of 40 are farsighted or have difficulty reading small print at close distances.
Because CK does not involve cutting or lasers, the procedure can be conveniently performed in an office setting or refractive surgery suite using only eye drop anesthesia. The procedure takes minutes to perform, and the result is improvement in your vision and in most cases you can return to your normal schedule the next day. CK is minimally invasive, quick, convenient and comfortable.
The Surgery.
The CK procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and it requires no lengthy stay. A topical anesthetic eye drop is applied to the eye, and then the doctor marks the intended treatment spots in a ring pattern on the cornea. Then a circular treatment pattern, in rinse-away ink, is imprinted on the cornea to guide the physician. Using the tiny probe thinner than a strand of human hair, Dr. Manrique applies radio waves in a circular pattern to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. The circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band of tissue which, much like the tightening of a belt, makes the curve of the cornea steeper and increases its focusing power. This energy causes a slight shrinkage of tissue inside the cornea, which in turn alters the curvature of the corneal surface.
During the procedure, slight pressure may be felt, however, it is not painful. It takes less than one second to treat each spot on the cornea, and the entire procedure takes about ten minutes. This procedure intentionally treats just one eye, creating the same sort of correction that people get with contact lenses. But when the CK procedure is completed, the majority of patients find that the need for contact lenses or reading glasses is virtually eliminated.
Can CK help you?
CK has been approved to treat farsightedness between +.75 and +3.00 Diopters. Serious complications with CK are extremely rare. CK is a safe and effective procedure, but like any medical procedure, it does have some risks. After a thorough eye exam you and your doctor will determine if CK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
CK is for those who:
- want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses, reading glasses or contacts
- have difficulty with close vision
- are at least 40 years of age
- have not had a significant change in their vision for one year
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
- have not had previous vision correction surgery
- are not pregnant or nursing
- have presbyopia between +0.75 to +2.25 diopters
- have no chronic eye disorders
- have no physical conditions such as diabetes, vascular or autoimmune diseases
For Baby Boomers, CK offers a way to turn back the clock and regain the vision enjoyed in their 30's--vision without reading difficulties, eye fatigue and other troublesome symptoms of farsightedness. CK is best suited for those who are over 40 years of age and who had good vision until they reached their forties. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Manrique today to see if you can benefit from CK surgery.
Find out how Manrique Custom Vision Center may be able to improve your vision with CK. Call 1-956-661-9000 for your free consultation today. |
