NearVisionCK® is the first FDA approved technology for presbyopic patients, and can successfully eliminate the need for reading glasses in an instant. Neither LASIK surgery nor IOLs (intraocular lenses) like Crystalens and ReSTOR are FDA approved for this use.
NearVisionCK (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 the office.
Compared to other refractive surgeries, NearVision CK has one of the highest safety profiles thanks to the use of controlled radio waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, that gently change the shape of the cornea to improve vision.
NearVision CK is the first and only procedure specifically for Baby Boomers who want freedom from their reading glasses.
now rely on reading glasses to compensate for the loss of near vision.
How Much Does NearVision CK cost?
NearVision CK costs an average of $1,500 per eye. To date, nearly 30,000 CK procedures have
been performed nationwide.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a progressive condition that causes near vision to fade with age. It affects most people by the age of 40 and everyone by the age of 51.
Many Baby Boomers consider the need for reading glasses a very unwelcome sign of aging. In the next 10 years, an estimated 90 million Americans will either have presbyopia or will develop the condition.
Symptoms of presbyopia include difficulty with all forms of near vision, such as reading the newspaper, ordering from a menu, dialing the phone, or even doing hobby work. Those affected by presbyopia often own multiple pairs of reading glasses and must rely on them for even the simplest daily tasks.
What is involved in the NearVisionCK procedure?
A tiny device called an eye speculum is placed on the eye to hold it open. After the doctor numbs the eye with anesthetic eye drops, controlled radiofrequency energy is then applied using a probe thinner than a strand of hair that releases radiofrequency energy.in a circular pattern to shrink the corneal tissue. Treating the eye in this manner prevents interference with your line of sight by avoiding the pupil. The result is a correctly shaped cornea which restores normal vision up close.
After NearVisionCK, you can usually return to work or normal activities the next day. Vision generally begins improving in about a week's time. NearVisionCK is not a permanent solution to presbyopia, but can significantly improve sight and prolong the need for reading glasses for many years.
NearVision CK can also help patients with traditional 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.
NearVision CK Applied to the cornea in a circular pattern, the radio waves shrink small areas of collagen to create a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt) that increases the curvature of the cornea, bringing near vision back into focus.
NearVision CK is typically performed on just one eye, restoring near vision without compromising the patient’s binocular distance vision.
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).
FDA Clinical Trial Results
FDA clinical trial data collected 12-months after NearVision CK was performed show:
In addition to its approved indications, CK is being studied in internationally for use post-laser surgery and for treating astigmatism.
Side effects, risks and 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, tearing or watery eyes, and overcorrection.
Read the NearVisionCK patient brochure from Refractec, Inc.
NearVisionCK in the marketplace
Refractec Inc., the maker of NearVision CK, has raised approximately $35 million from investors to fund the launch of CK. Major investors include Putnam Investments (Boston, Mass.); The Entrepreneurs' Funds of R.B. Webber & Company (Mountain View, Calif.); Brentwood Venture Capital (Menlo Park, Calif.,); Delphi Ventures, Inc. (Menlo Park, Calif.); and Versant Ventures (Menlo Park, Calif.).
Frequently Asked Questions about NearVision CK
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. CK is performed using a small tip, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases radio waves. The tip 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 treatment, which takes just a few minutes to perform, is performed using only topical anesthesia (numbing 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 treatment for baby boomers 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.
What are the risks and side effects of NearVision CK?
Because NearVision CK is minimally invasive, the treatment has exhibited 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. Because NearVision CK doesn’t cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated with other vision correction procedures have not been observed with NearVision CK.
What will I feel during the NearVision CK treatment?
You will experience minimal to no pain during the NearVision CK treatment. 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.
Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVision CK treatment?
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 this will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who have a procedure to steepen the cornea (used for 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 there restrictions after having NearVision CK?
As with any vision correction procedure, certain precautions should be taken. After the CK treatment, 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 treatment. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye makeup for a couple of days after the procedure.
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 treatment. 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 a couple of days following the procedure before going back to work.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVision CK treatment?
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.
Am I a LASIK Candidate? 
