It seems to happen overnight. You suddenly can’t read a menu, see your alarm clock, or read the newspaper.
But you are not alone, millions of people over the age of 40 years are losing their near vision as a part of the
natural aging process.
When we turn 40, our eyes begin losing their ability to easily focus on near objects. This can be the result of two
different conditions.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia). In this condition normal rays of light get focused behind the retina. Young
eyes are often strong enough to compensate, and able to focus the image onto the retina. After 40 the
focusing ability gradually decreases, making it difficult to maintain a clear image.
Presbyopia, when the lens in the eye loses flexibility because of age. Everyone over the age of 40 will
experience this condition, and the difficulty with reading at near distance.
This is when you start requiring additional reading glasses for near vision. Activities such as reading an SMS on
your mobile, checking the time, reading a menu in the restaurant, reading newspaper, signing a cheque, etc all
become dependent on a pair of reading glasses.
So is there a solution for this problem ?
The answer is "Yes", Near Vision CK can help improve your vision, allowing you to see clearly like you could 10
years ago. Its an exciting new advancement in vision correction because it uses radio waves instead of laser to
treat your vision problems.
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NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty ) is a quick procedure with no cutting involved. You don't even have to
go to an outpatient surgery center. In just three minutes, a doctor can perform NearVision CK in his or her office.
The procedure
Using radiofrequency (RF) energy, NearVision CK can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the
cornea to make it steeper. After the doctor has applied a topical anesthetic (eye drops), controlled RF energy is
applied in a circular pattern to shrink the corneal tissue. This pattern is applied in the periphery of your cornea
and therefore minimizes interference with your line of sight (i.e., pupil). A device called a "speculum" holds your
eye open during the procedure.
Once finished, you don't have to wear a patch and can usually return to work or normal activities the next day.
Vision generally begins improving in about a week's time. As with other procedures, the level of improved vision
may be temporary. While NearVision CK can turn back the clock on your vision, it cannot stop the clock entirely.
NearVision CK can also help patients with farsightedness, or hyperopia, a condition in which the eye is too flat.
CK modifies the topographical (surface) curvature, making it steeper and therefore improving vision.
Risks and complications
NearVision CK is associated with a nominal amount of surgery-related complications. Some people who have had
CK have experienced side effects that have impaired their vision for a few days after the procedure. Although
these risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration by anyone considering the NearVision CK
procedure. Some side effects include:
- Discomfort and/or foreign body sensation
- Glare
- Halos
- Overcorrection
- Tearing
NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty ) is intended for people over 40 who want to improve their near vision and reduce
their dependence on reading glasses. CK is not intended for people with myopia (nearsightedness). All patients considering
vision correction should undergo a complete examination by a doctor prior to the procedure.
You're likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
- Are over age 40
- Had great vision your whole life
- Require reading glasses to compensate for fading near vision
Your doctor can give you the complete list of indications and contraindications and determine if NearVision CK is right for
you.
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)
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 people who struggle to
read a newspaper, menu, alarm clock, or computer.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the NearVision CK procedure?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?
The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses for most tasks after the NearVision CK procedure. However, depending on your age
and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision treatment at some point (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals). This
is because your eyes continue to change as you age.
Is the NearVision CK procedure considered permanent?
Both presbyopia and hyperopia are progressive diseases, which means that as people age, their eyes will continue to change - with or without
surgical treatment.
Is NearVision CK reversible?
As with most vision treatment 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 treatment procedure to carefully consider. To
make sure NearVision CK is right for you, seek the advice of your doctor.
What are the other options then ?
You can undergo customized laser refractive surgery to achieve monovision, which would help you manage daily activities pretty well
without being dependent on glasses.
If your eyes show early lenticular changes (ie early cataract), your doctor may suggest you to undergo refractive lens exchange surgery,
wherein the cloudy natural lens is removed through a tiny 2mm cut using ultrasound energy and replaced with a multifocal lens implant
(Technis multifocal lens or the Restor multifocal lens implant). This would help you regain good unaided eyesight both for distance and near.
Dr Rajesh Fogla DNB, FRCS, MMed , senior corneal surgeon, specializes in corneal refractive surgery. He specializes in laser refractive surgery,
conductive keratoplasty, refractive lens exchange, and phakic intraocular lens implantation. He has over 10 years of experience in cornea and
refractive surgery.
Dr Fogla is available in the clinic on weekdays between 9am to 5pm, ( 6 - 8 pm with prior appointments only)
You can reach him on +91 9866076750 or dr_fogla@yahoo.com
