1. How is NearVision CK performed?
NearVision CK uses radio waves, instead of a laser or
scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back
into focus. NearVision CK is 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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2. Will you be cutting the cornea?
No. NearVision 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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3. Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the
eye?
Yes. The use of RF energy is one of today's most advanced
surgical techniques. In addition to its use in NearVision
CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy,
back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.
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4. Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVision
CK procedure?
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their
vision after the NearVision CK procedure. However, it
usually takes several weeks for the eyes to adjust to
the final level of treatment.
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5. Will my vision fluctuate after NearVision 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).
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6. Are both eyes treated on the same day?
NearVision 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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7. Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after
the NearVision CK procedure?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages.
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8. How soon can I return to work?
With NearVision 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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9. What type of anesthesia is used during the NearVision
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.
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10. What will I feel during the NearVision CK procedure?
The NearVision 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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11. Why doesn't NearVision CK use a laser?
NearVision CK is a non-laser procedure that uses controlled
radio waves to improve near vision. Rather than removing
tissue with a laser, NearVision 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. This circular pattern acts like a belt
tightening around the cornea to increase its overall curvature
and temporarily improve near vision. The procedure, which
takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with
only topical anesthesia (eye drops).
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12. Will the instrument used in the NearVision CK
procedure penetrate my cornea?
NearVision CK is performed using a probe (Keratoplast™
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.
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13. How is a precise amount of radiofrequency (RF)
energy and depth of treatment ensured during the NearVision
CK procedure?
The technology used during the procedure was engineered
and designed specifically for performing NearVision 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 Keratoplast™ 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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14. What are the risks and side effects of NearVision
CK?
Because NearVision CK is minimally invasive, the procedure
has exhibited very minimal risk and almost no side effects.
During the first 24 to 48 hours after NearVision 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 NearVision
CK doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects
associated with other vision treatment procedures have
not been observed with NearVision CK.
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15. Are there restrictions after having NearVision
CK?
As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea
is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After
the NearVision 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.
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16. Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVision
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 NearVision
CK (12-month follow-up data).
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17. Is NearVision CK reversible?
As with most vision improvement procedures, NearVision
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 procedure to carefully consider. To
make sure NearVision CK is right for you, seek the advice
of your doctor. Click here to find a CK Doctor® near
you.
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18. Will my health insurance cover the cost of the
NearVision CK procedure?
Because NearVision CK is considered elective surgery (cosmetic),
most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing
options are available to make NearVision CK more affordable.
For more information about financing, ask your doctor.
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19. Who is NearVision CK right for?
You're likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
o Are over age 40
o Had great vision your whole life
o Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near
vision
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20. Can NearVision CK treat myopia (nearsightedness)?
NearVision 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. NearVision CK is not designed to flatten
the cornea, the effect required for the treatment of myopia.
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21. Can NearVision CK be performed on patients who
have a pacemaker?
The NearVision CK equipment can produce interference that
may adversely influence the operation of other electronic
equipment. Therefore, NearVision CK is contraindicated
for patients who are wearing a pacemaker.
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22. What enables NearVision 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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