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NearVision CK is the first vision treatment specifically for people who want freedom from their reading glasses. CK is performed using the ViewPoint® CK System; the first FDA-approved technology for improving near vision in presbyopic patients.
Conductive Keratoplasty:
Research has discovered that the application of heat energy to the cornea can cause a shrinking of the corneal tissue (thermokeratoplasty). When applied in a specific pattern, this shrinkage can restore vision by steepening the cornea. CK builds upon the principles of thermokeratoplasty, using radiofrequency (RF) energy to reshape the cornea and adjust its refractive characteristics. More than 20 years of research into this technique have established the depth and temperature necessary to achieve refractive change.
Performing CK
CK is relatively simple to perform. The physician uses a small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, which releases RF energy. 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 curvature of the cornea. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
From the Patient’s Perspective
Before CK:
Once the ophthalmologist has determined the patient is a candidate for CK, the patient’s cornea will be mapped with a computer to evaluate its curvature (refractive characteristics).
During CK:
After applying drops to numb the eye to ensure the procedure is painless, the doctor imprints a treatment pattern on the cornea using rinse-away dye. The pattern guides the doctor’s treatment; each point represents a place where RF energy will be applied.
Once the cornea is marked, the doctor uses a small probe to apply radio waves in a circular pattern to reshape the cornea. The most common sensation that patients experience is a feeling of pressure on the eye.
After CK:
The doctor applies antibiotic drops that the patient will continue using for several days, as per labeling. The patient may need to wear dark glasses after the CK treatment and use artificial tears for up to one week. As with other vision procedures, there may be some mild discomfort and light sensitivity for a few days, and many patients experience a foreign-object sensation or a slight "scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours of the treatment.
CK Patient Profile
You may be a candidate for CK if you are:
Over age 45
Had great distance vision your whole life
Struggle with reading glasses for near vision.
This is not a complete list of indications and contraindications. To determine if CK is right for you, visit an ophthalmologist and ask him or her for the full list.
RF Energy & Its Application
Radiofrequency (RF) technology is one of todays most advanced medical therapies. In addition to its use in CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, dermatology – even cardiovascular procedures.
By applying RF energy to the corneal tissue, Ohm's law (V = I R) defines a consistent relationship that determines the heat generated. The characteristics of the energy and the collagen tissue's consistent conductive properties make it possible for CK to achieve a reproducible, optimal tissue temperature to bring about the localized shrinkage of the collagen fibers.
2006 KEY MESSAGE POINTS
ABOUT NEARVISION CK:
Near Vision = the ability to see things up-close.
Presbyopia = the inevitable loss of near vision that affects everyone sometime after age 40.
NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is performed using the one of the safest, and the first FDA-approved technology for patients with “aging eyes” (presbyopia), the inevitable loss of near vision that affects everyone sometime after age 40.
NearVision CK can ONLY be performed using the ViewPoint® CK System.
NearVision CK is the only vision treatment specifically for people over age 45 who want freedom from their reading glasses.
NearVision CK uses gentle radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to bring near vision back into focus.
NearVision CK is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. There is no cutting and no removal of tissue.
NearVision CK boasts one of the highest safety profiles in the vision correction procedure market.
NearVision CK is fast: The treatment is performed in just under three minutes.
NearVision CK is easy to perform. The treatment is done in the doctor’s office with only topical (eye drop) anesthesia.
NearVision CK has become the fastest-growing vision treatment since the introduction of LASIK and is the leading non-laser refractive procedure
You’re a candidate for NearVision CK if you’re over age 45, had great distance vision your whole life and now struggle with reading glasses
NearVision CK is indicated for the temporary improvement of near vision in emmetropic presbyopes (those who require only reading glasses) and hyperopic presbyopes (those who require reading and distance glasses).
NearVision CK turns back the clock, but doesn’t stop it from ticking. Presbyopia is a progressive condition and therefore, patients may require additional treatments to maintain their near vision.
How NEARVISION CK Works:
Short Version: NearVision CK is performed using a fine tip thinner than a strand of hair that releases radio waves, shrinking small areas of collagen to increase the curvature of the cornea and restore near vision.
Full Explanation: Using a fine tip thinner than a strand of human hair, CK applies radio waves in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collagen. This shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature of the cornea to bring near vision back into focus for Baby Boomers who are now presbyopic.
Radiofrequency energy is one of today’s most advanced surgical technologies. In addition to its use in CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.
VISION PROBLEMS AFTER THE AGE OF 40
Presbyopia (aging eyes) is a progressive condition that causes near vision to fade with age. Nearly 90 million Americans are over age 40 -- the dawning of “aging eyes” (presbyopia). These people find it increasingly difficult to read, do hobby work or even see the time on a watch, without the aid of magnifying reading glasses. More than half could benefit from NearVision CK.
For the risk-averse, NearVision CK is the treatment of choice. When consumers over age 40 were asked if they would consider an elective procedure to reduce their dependence on glasses, a full 42 percent ranked CK their number-one choice, citing its non-invasive method and safety as the primary reasons for their preference. Prior to CK, very few people between the ages of 40 to 60 have even considered vision treatment surgery, as they tend to be more conservative and risk-averse than their younger counterparts who flocked to LASIK.
Since their vision began to deteriorate later in life, many view reading glasses as an unwelcome sign of aging.
NearVision CK doesn’t stop the clock from ticking, but it can turn back the hands so people can see near, again.
It is estimated the 1.5 million patients have a history LASIK procedures in an effort to rid themselves of the glasses correcting the vision problems of their youth. Having made this investment early on in their vision, these patients face the frustrating reality of a return to glasses with the onset of presbyopia. With promising preliminary results, clinical work is underway on the use of NearVision CK to treat near vision loss in patients over the age of 45 with a history of LASIK.
NEARVISION CK RESULTS:
High patient satisfaction: 79 percent satisfied or very satisfied with their vision 24 months after the NearVision CK treatment.
Excellent quality of vision: 87 percent noted moderate, marked or extreme improvement in their quality of vision 24 months after CK.
There were no reported serious, sight-threatening or unanticipated safety events.
