• Home
• Our Doctors
• Corneal Laser Surgery
• Phakic IOL's
• Cataract & Refractive Lens Surgery
• CK / INTACS
• Other Procedures
• Technology
• News
• Contact

Conductive Keratoplasty - Chicago

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

INTACS

We perform conductive keratoplasty (CK) utilizing the ViewPoint® System, manufactured by Refractec, at Chicago Cornea Consultants to help farsighted patients over the age of 40 reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Unlike LASIK, conductive keratoplasty is not performed with a laser; instead, conductive keratoplasty uses radio frequency energy to reshape the cornea and restore focus. That’s right - no incisions, no cutting, and no lasers! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved conductive keratoplasty in April 2002 for the treatment of low to moderate farsightedness. In addition, the FDA issued a supplemental approval for the use of CK to treat presbyopia (loss of near vision that occurs in people 40 years and older) in February, 2004, making it the only procedure approved for presbyopia in otherwise "normal" eyes.

What Happens During Conductive Keratoplasty?

During the conductive keratoplasty procedure at Chicago Cornea Consultants, radio frequency energy is used to shrink corneal tissue and steepen the cornea, reducing the level of farsightedness. After conductive keratoplasty, you may experience some mild discomfort or scratchiness, but the procedure is considered painless.

Once conductive keratoplasty is complete, you will not have to wear an eye patch, and you should be able to return to work or normal daily activities the next day. Your vision should begin improving about one week after conductive keratoplasty.

If you want the benefits of laser vision correction but are afraid of surgery, conductive keratoplasty may be perfect for you. Conductive keratoplasty is painless and can be performed in as little as three minutes. If you think conductive keratoplasty may be right for you, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today!

Is Conductive Keratoplasty Right for Me?

Conductive keratoplasty is usually performed on patients who are over the age of 40 and are suffering from presbyopia or hyperopia (farsightedness); however, conductive keratoplasty is not intended for people with myopia (nearsightedness).

You may be a good candidate for conductive keratoplasty if you:

• Are over the age of 40
• Have had good vision your entire life
• Need reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision

If you think you are a good candidate for conductive keratoplasty, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today to schedule a personal consultation.

Are There Risks Associated with Conductive Keratoplasty?

Conductive keratoplasty is minimally invasive, so there are very minimal risks and side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after conductive keratoplasty, you may experience minor discomfort, such as a scratchy sensation, and tearing. You may also experience temporary over-correction of your vision, which should disappear during the following weeks.

If you want to be free from your glasses and contacts but are afraid of having surgery, conductive keratoplasty may be ideal for you. Want to learn more? If so, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today!

^ Back to Top

For more information visit the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and Refractec.

INTACS

Intacs are revolutionary prescription inserts designed to alter the shape of the cornea for patients with keratoconus, a condition that affects one out of 2000 people.

Keratoconus is a disease that causes thinning of the cornea, the clear, dome-like surface of the eye. Pressure within the eye causes the thinned cornea to bulge outward in an irregular, cone-like shape. The change in cornea shape causes vision problems that in early stages can be corrected by rigid contact lenses or prescription glasses. In later stages of the disease, a corneal transplant is required. Intacs can delay or eliminate the need for corneal transplant surgery.

Placed in the periphery of the cornea, Intacs are uniquely designed to help restore the cornea's natural, dome-like shape. Unlike corneal transplant surgery, Intacs require no removal of corneal tissue. Intacs instead provide shape and structure to a cornea affected by keratoconus, helping to maintain or provide a dome-like shape. In certain patients with Intacs who later underwent corneal transplant surgery, their transplants were successfully completed without complications.

To learn more about Intacs or conductive keratoplasty, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today or check out www.IntacsforKeratoconus.com.