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How
is Near Vision CK performed?
Near Vision CK, pioneered by Halpin-Poweleit Eye Center
in Cincinnati Ohio, uses radio waves, instead of a laser
or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring Near Vision
back into focus. Near Vision CK performed using a small
probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases
radio waves. The probe is applied in a circular pattern
on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. This
circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like
the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature
of the cornea. The procedure, which takes less than three
minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia
(eye drops). |
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Will
you be cutting the cornea?
No. Near Vision CK is performed without the cutting
or removal of tissue. It is a safe, minimally invasive
procedure for baby boomers who struggle to read a
newspaper, menu, alarm clock, or computer. |
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Is
radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
Yes. The use of RF energy is one of todays most advanced
surgical techniques. In addition to its use in Near Vision
CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy,
back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.
Will my vision improve immediately after the Near Vision
CK procedure?
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their
vision after the Near Vision CK procedure. However, it usually
takes several weeks for the eyes to adjust to the final
level of treatment. Our surgeons will be glad to review
patients' results performed at our Cincinnati area offices.
Will my vision fluctuate after Near Vision CK is performed?
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their
vision after the procedure, but few notice it. Any fluctuation
will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who have
a procedure to steepen the cornea (presbyopia or hyperopia),
regardless of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization
period than those who receive a treatment that flattens
the cornea (myopia). |
Are
both eyes treated on the same day?
Near Vision CK is typically performed on just one
eye. However, if a patient's prescription requires
treatment in both eyes, CK is typically performed
on both eyes on the same day - one eye immediately
after the other. Most patients are comfortable having
the CK procedure performed on both eyes on the same
day because the procedure is minimally invasive, takes
less than three minutes and is done in-office with
only topical anesthesia. |
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Will
I have to wear patches over my eyes after the Near Vision
CK procedure?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages. |
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How
soon can I return to work?
With Near Vision CK, the majority of patients are
able to return to work and other normal activities
the day after their procedure. Although recovery is
fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your
eyes and to avoid any strain. Those whose jobs demand
intense clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery
or computer work) may want to give their eyes some
extra rest for several days following the procedure
before going back to work. |
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What
type of anesthesia is used during the Near Vision CK procedure?
A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used to numb
the eye. Those patients who are nervous or have a high level
of anxiety will be given a mild sedative to help them relax.
What will I feel during the Near Vision CK procedure?
The Near Vision CK procedure is considered painless. You
will be aware of a support (speculum), which helps to hold
your eye open. The most common sensation that patients experience
is a feeling of pressure on the eye. After the procedure,
there may be some mild discomfort, and many patients experience
a foreign-object sensation or "scratchiness" in the eye.
This usually subsides within 24 hours of the procedure.
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Why
doesn't Near Vision CK use a laser?
Near Vision CK is a non-laser procedure that uses
controlled radio waves to improve Near Vision. Rather
than removing tissue with a laser, Near Vision CK
reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method:
the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF)
energy applied in a circular pattern on the outer
cornea, to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. |
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This circular pattern acts like a belt tightening around
the cornea to increase its overall curvature and bring life's
details back into focus. The procedure, which takes less
than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical
anesthesia (eye drops). |
Will the instrument used in the Near Vision CK procedure
penetrate my cornea?
Near Vision CK is performed using a probe (KeratoplastT
Tip) that is as thin as a strand of human hair. The probe,
introduced into the cornea, applies controlled radiofrequency
(RF) energy, stabilizes the CK procedure and guarantees
the precise depth of treatment.
How is a precise amount of RF energy and depth of treatment
ensured during the Near Vision CK procedure?
The technology used during the procedure was engineered
and designed specifically for performing Near Vision CK.
This means that the precise amount of RF energy needed to
affect the corneal tissue, at the precise tissue temperature
and depth of treatment, were meticulously investigated and
defined. The KeratoplastT Tip penetrates the cornea to a
depth of 450 µm and utilizes a plastic stop at the very
distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration. |
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What
are the risks and side effects of Near Vision CK?
Because Near Vision CK is minimally invasive, the
procedure has exhibited very minimal risk and almost
no side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after
Near Vision CK, you may experience tearing and some
discomfort, including a foreign-object sensation in
the eyes. You may also experience initial slight over-correction
of your vision, which stabilizes during the following
weeks. However, because Near Vision CK doesn't cut
or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated
with other vision treatment procedures have not been
observed with Near Vision CK. |
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Are
there restrictions after having Near Vision CK?
As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea
is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After the
Near Vision CK procedure, patients should avoid getting
contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week.
This includes water from swimming pools, spas, lakes and
the ocean. When showering or taking baths, patients should
keep their eyes closed in order to avoid getting soap and
dirty water into their eyes. When exercising, sweat should
be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after the procedure.
Also, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously
for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also
avoid applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure.
Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following Near Vision CK?
No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a certain
result from any vision treatment procedure. However, in
the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20
vision while looking at objects in the distance and were
able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having Near
Vision CK (12-month follow-up data).
Is Near Vision CK reversible?
As with most vision correction procedures, Near Vision CK
is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed,
it is not possible to "remove" its effects. This is an important
factor for anyone thinking about undergoing a vision correction
procedure to carefully consider. Our physicians at Halpin
- Poweleit Eye Center will review the risks and benefits
with you to make sure Near Vision CK is right for you.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of the Near Vision
CK procedure?
Because Near Vision CK is considered elective surgery (cosmetic),
most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options
are available to make Near Vision CK more affordable. For
more information about financing, go to our financing page.
Who is Near Vision CK right for?
You're likely a good candidate for Near Vision CK if you:
• Are over age 40
• Had great vision your whole life
• Require reading glasses to compensate for
fading Near Vision
To determine if Near Vision CK is right for you, you can
meet one of our physicians for a free consultation to discuss
the complete list of indications and contraindications.
Can Near Vision CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
Near Vision CK was designed for baby boomers who struggle
to read menus, price tags or see their computer - symptoms
of fading Near Vision which require a steepening of the
cornea. Near Vision CK is not designed to flatten the cornea,
the effect required for the treatment of myopia. For treatment
of myopia, please click on our section on LASIK.
Can Near Vision CK be performed on patients who have
a pacemaker?
The Near Vision CK equipment can produce interference that
may adversely influence the operation of other electronic
equipment. Therefore, Near Vision CK is contraindicated
for patients who are wearing a pacemaker.
What enables Near Vision CK to be performed in-office?
Near Vision CK is a minimally invasive procedure that does
not require cutting of the cornea, and therefore does not
carry the associated risks or surgical complications. The
procedure is relatively quick and easy to perform - taking
an average of just 3 minutes. |
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