CK was FDA approved in April of 2002. It uses the controlled release of radiofrequency (RF) energy, instead of a laser, to reshape the cornea. CK offers an exciting advancement in vision correction that has new advantages such as:

No Cutting: This minimizes side effects and speeds recovery.
Convenience & Comfort: It is done in the office with little discomfort.
Fast Treatment: Treatments usually last only 3 to 5 minutes.

How CK Works

CK can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to reduce far-sightedness. CK uses a controlled release of radiofrequency (RF) heat and shrinks the corneal tissue in a ring, thereby steepening the cornea and achieving the desired refractive effect.

Before CK

Before CK can be scheduled, each patient must have a complete and thorough eye exam to assure that their eye(s) are healthy and suitable for CK. This eye exam includes a complete health history including history of eye health. It will also include a comprehensive eye examination which will include visual acuity, intraocular pressures, analysis of all components of the eye (lids, iris, pupil, lens, cornea, retina), and especially a computerized mapping of the cornea.

If you wear contact lenses, it is essential that you discontinue the wearing of soft lenses for three days prior to your examination, and if you wear hard (gas permeable) lenses you must stop wearing them for at least three weeks prior to your exam. Without this precaution, poor surgical results could occur.

It is very important to tell your doctor of any medications you are taking, and also to be sure to specify any medical or medication allergies that you have.

The CK Procedure

During the day of your procedure you will probably be given some medication to help you to relax. Easing your preoperative apprehension will make the procedure much easier for you and will allow you to fully concentrate on your important task of lying still and focusing on the target light. You will be given several drops to help resist infection, reduce inflammation, and to numb your eyes.

After numbing your eye to ensure that the procedure is painless, your doctor will imprint a treatment pattern on the cornea. Then, your doctor will apply the radiofrequency energy through the keratoplasty tip using the pattern to reshape the cornea.

After CK

You may need to wear dark glasses after your CK treatment. As with other vision correction procedures, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity (glare or halos) for a few days following CK.