Are you tired of relying on glasses or contacts for clear vision? Conductive keratoplasty (CK) offers a noninvasive solution for people with mild farsightedness or presbyopia.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits, limitations, and procedures of CK. Whether you’re considering it or simply curious about this technique, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about your eye health.
What is Conductive Keratoplasty?
Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is a unique approach to correcting farsightedness and presbyopia. Rather than using a laser, it uses radio frequency energy to change the cornea at specific spots.
This causes the tissue around the edge of the cornea to tighten, making the central curve steeper. Some people prefer CK because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t remove corneal tissue.
However, it’s important to understand that the effect isn’t as dramatic as reshaping the cornea with lasers. The results of CK often fade over a few years.
What Are the Benefits of Conductive Keratoplasty?
CK is often used to correct mild farsightedness, especially if it’s age-related. However, it may also be used for minor corrections after LASIK or cataract surgery. It’s also great for people who don’t want to undergo laser eye surgery.
Other benefits include:
- Equal or better results compared to other types of refractive surgery
- Safe with a very low risk of complications or side effects
- Doesn’t require follow-up treatments
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better has been reported in 89% of CK patients with hyperopia or astigmatism. We recommend talking to your eye doctor to see if CK is a good option for your condition.
What are the Limitations of Conductive Keratoplasty?
For one, it can’t correct nearsightedness. It’s also not good for severe vision problems because it can only fix small amounts of focus errors.
Some people may not like the idea of their vision slowly drifting back after a few years. The procedure also takes skill to get the most predictable results, so you have to make sure you find the right surgeon.
You should also know that the procedure does have some minor side effects. Fortunately, the majority of CK side effects are temporary. This includes:
- Light sensitivity
- Fluctuating vision
- Slight nearsightedness
Who is an Ideal Candidate For CK?
Here’s a quick breakdown of who and who isn’t a good candidate for CK:
| Ideal | Not Ideal |
| 40 years or older | Pregnant or breastfeeding |
| Needs correction between +0.75 and +2.50 diopters | Have corneal dystrophies or corneal scaring within the central 6 to 7 mm optical zone |
| Lower than .75 diopters of astigmatism | Family history of keratitis |
| Has presbyopia | Has an autoimmune disease, collagen vascular disease, or advanced atopic disease |
| Not suitable for LASIK | Has diabetes, dry eyes, or other eye diseases |
The procedure can be good for people who aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK because it doesn’t require a corneal flap. Furthermore, those with a pacemaker shouldn’t undergo this procedure because the radio waves may affect the device’s performance.
What is the Procedure Like?
First, numbing eye drops are applied to prevent pain and discomfort. A small device called a speculum keeps the eyelids open during the procedure.
A rinse-away dye is used to imprint a treatment pattern on the cornea, showing where the radiofrequency should be applied. Then, a hand-held probe is used to deliver low-level radiofrequency energy to specific spots, forming a circular pattern on the outer part of the cornea.
Depending on the level of correction needed, 8 to 32 spots may be treated in one or more rings. The radiofrequency energy heats the corneal tissue, shrinking collagen in the area and steepening the central cornea.
The procedure is typically painless and only takes a few minutes. However, some patients may feel pressure on the eye.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You can leave the doctor’s office shortly after the procedure, but you’ll need someone to drive you home. You’ll be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
You may also have to wear a special bandage contact lens for a few days to minimize discomfort. However, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your vision.
During recovery, avoid rubbing your eyes and other activities that may impact them. You may experience glare, halos, and other visual disturbances, but these typically fade with time. However, if these symptoms persist, we strongly advise contacting your doctor.
How to Prepare for Conductive Keratoplasty
CK requires specific measurements to determine exactly where to place radiofrequency energy. Therefore, you’ll need to prepare before undergoing the procedure.
First, talk to your doctor about your medical history. This includes allergies, medications, past eye problems, and eye surgeries.
You’ll need a vision exam to check your eye pressure and map out your cornea in great detail. You should also avoid wearing contacts for at least two weeks before the procedure.
CK can be a great procedure if you’re right for it. Remember to consult with an experienced eye care professional, so they can assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate course of action to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.
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