Patient Considerations

Is Conductive Keratoplasty (CK ) permanent?

Conductive Keratoplasty is for the temporary improvement of near vision. No matter what type of procedure is performed, our eyes inevitably change as we age. Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) can turn back the clock on presbyopia, but it cannot stop the clock.

Is Conductive Keratoplasty reversible?

As with most vision correction procedures, Conductive Keratoplasty is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed, it is not possible to "remove" the effects of the procedure. This is an important factor that anyone thinking about surgery should carefully consider. To make sure Conductive Keratoplasty is right for you, seek the advice of your doctor.

Will my vision improve immediately after surgery?

Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after the Conductive Keratoplasty procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to reach the final level of correction.

Will my vision fluctuate after the procedure is performed?

Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after surgery, but many will never notice it. Any fluctuation 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.

Are both eyes corrected on the same day?

For patients who require treatment in both eyes, Conductive Keratoplasty is typically performed on both eyes on the same day - one eye immediately after the other. Most patients are comfortable having both eyes corrected on the same day because Conductive Keratoplasty is minimally invasive and requires only a few minutes to perform.

Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?

You will not have to wear patches or bandages.

How soon will I be able to return to work?

With CK, the majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities the day of their procedure. 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 having the procedure.

What will I feel during the procedure?

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 surgery, there may be some mild discomfort. Many patients complain of a foreign-object sensation or a slight "scratchiness" in the eye. Foreign-object sensation usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.

What type of anesthesia is used during CK?

A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used to numb the eye. Some patients who are very nervous and have a high level of anxiety about the procedure will be given a mild sedative to help them relax.

Why doesn't Conductive Keratoplasty use a laser?

Lasers reshape the cornea by removing tissue. Conductive Keratoplasty reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method: the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy to specific spots around the cornea. This causes the tissue of the cornea (collagen) to shrink in a very controlled way, creating a constrictive "band" that gives the cornea a steeper shape.

Will the instrument used in the Conductive Keratoplasty procedure penetrate my cornea? The small, pen-shaped instrument used to apply radiofrequency (RF) energy does penetrate, to a very specific depth, in the cornea (approximately 0.45 mm or less than 1/50 of an inch). The actual penetrating tip (Keratoplast™ Tip) is as thin as a human hair. It also has a specially designed stop to eliminate the risk of penetrating the cornea too deeply.

What are the risks and side effects of CK?

Because Conductive Keratoplasty 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 a foreign-object sensation in the eyes. You may also experience a slight over-correction of your vision, allowing you to see better up close, though your distance vision may be blurry. This will stabilize during the following weeks.

Are there restrictions after having CK?

As with any other type of vision procedure, certain precautions should be taken after CK. 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 to avoid getting soap and dirty water in them. When exercising, sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after surgery. 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 surgery.

Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?

The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses of any kind after the Conductive Keratoplasty procedure. However, depending on your age and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision correction (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals) at some point. This is because your eyes continue to change as you age, no matter what vision procedure you use. In the meantime, you can decrease your dependence on glasses with Conductive Keratoplasty for the temporary improvement of near vision.

Can Conductive Keratoplasty correct myopia (nearsightedness)?

Conductive Keratoplasty is intended for presbyopia where the cornea requires steepening. Conductive Keratoplasty is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the correction of myopia.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the procedure?

Because Conductive Keratoplasty is elective surgery, most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available to make Conductive Keratoplasty more affordable. Ask us about financing.

Who is Conductive Keratoplasty right for?

Conductive Keratoplasty is intended for the temporary improvement of near vision in people over the age of 40. Please see the Is Conductive Keratoplasty Right for Me? section of this site for a list of candidate criteria. Of course, the best way to determine if the procedure is right for you is to seek the advice of a doctor.