Conductive Keratoplasty
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is an alternative to other laser vision correction procedures and is typically reserved for patients over 40 who have hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia (hardening of the lens). So far, the application of CK appears to be limited to a smaller segment of patients whose needs are more narrowly defined.
CK is a relatively new procedure, having only received FDA approval in 2002 for farsightedness and then in 2004 for presbyopia. Study for use to correct astigmatism (blurred vision) is underway, but CK is not used to correct nearsightedness.
Instead of using a laser for reshaping the cornea, conductive keratoplasty uses heat from radio waves to tighten and shrink the connective tissue along the edge of the cornea, which results in a natural reshaping of the cornea.
In evaluating you as a potential CK candidate, your surgeon will thoroughly examine your eyes and determine their exact refractive errors and how much corneal shrinkage will be necessary for correcting your vision. Your eyes will be photographed with special equipment for creating a curvature map of your cornea, which enables the surgeon to identify where to apply treatment.
As with other vision care procedures, treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. If you are being treated for farsightedness, both eyes can be treated during the same visit. Your surgeon will provide instructions for post-operative eye care during the days following the procedures.