Conductive keratoplasty, or CK eye surgery, is a corrective procedure used to treat farsightedness, or hyperopia. It uses radiofrequency energy, rather than the lasers that other similar surgeries use. Some of these operations remove tissue to correct vision. CK eye surgery reshapes the cornea, or the front of the eye, instead. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
Not everyone is a good candidate for CK eye surgery. It is intended for patients who are over age 40 and who have had an unchanging vision prescription for at least a year. People undergoing this surgery should have no other health problems affecting the eyes, nor should they have previously undergone a similar procedure. Potential candidates should have had stable long-distance vision throughout their life, but now require reading glasses. Additionally, women who are pregnant or nursing, as well as people with diabetes or any autoimmune or vascular diseases, should not undergo this procedure.
To prepare for CK eye surgery, the doctor will put anesthetic drops into the patient's eyes to numb them. He will then hold the eyelids open with a small device, called a speculum. A special type of dye is then applied to help the doctor guide the instruments to the correct areas of the cornea. He will then use a very small probe, less than the width of a human hair, to direct radiofrequency energy to the cornea. While some patients may notice mild pressure and discomfort, this corrective surgery should be painless.
CK eye surgery does not require any recovery time in a clinic, and patients may leave following the procedure. They will need someone else to drive them home, however. Patients should typically expect the topical anesthetic to wear off in about 30 minutes. They may experience the sensation of having foreign matter in the eye. This will usually go away within 24 hours.
Many patients return to work the day following CK eye surgery, however they may experience mild nearsightedness and blurriness for a few weeks. They will also be more sensitive to bright light. Patients must avoid getting any water into the eyes or applying makeup to the area for one full week. Rubbing the eyes is strictly discouraged for at least two weeks. Drops may be used, at the doctor's direction, to prevent infection.
There are minimal risks associated with CK eye surgery. This procedure is considered safer than others, because there is no cutting or removal of the tissues. Patients may expect slight vision fluctuations. This should stabilize within several weeks. If they experience any other side effects, patients should consult with their doctor.
