Difference between Lasik and CK

What are CK and NearVision CK?

NearVision CK is another term for conductive keratoplasty, a refractive correction surgery. It is also known as just CK. The NearVision CK procedure involves applying radio waves to the periphery of the cornea to shrink collagen at its outer edge. Shrinking the periphery increases the curvature of the central cornea, increasing the near vision of that eye’s focus.

Is CK anything like LASIK?
No. The list below shows several important differences between CK and LASIK.

CK
- CK uses radio wave energy.
- CK shrinks corneal tissues, but does not destroy it.
- CK is not permanent. The cornea will regress back to its original shape after a few years.
- CK can create near vision only.
- CK treats the refractive errors farsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism, but cannot treat nearsightedness.
- CK may be more appropriate for people over age 40 or those who have had prior refractive surgery.

LASIK
- LASIK uses laser energy.
- LASIK ablates, or vaporizes, corneal tissue.
- LASIK causes permanent removal of corneal tissue. LASIK is not reversible.
- LASIK can create near or distant vision.
- LASIK can treat nearsightedness as well as farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism.
- LASIK may be more appropriate for people over the age of 18.

How does NearVision CK work?

NearVision CK creates monovision, which is near vision in the non-dominant eye, only. By leaving the dominant eye with farsighted vision, most people are able to read, drive and do most activities without corrective lenses. Monovision takes some adjustment to learn to focus on what you see out of just one eye while ignoring the other. In addition, monovision causes some loss of depth perception, so this, too, takes adjustment, especially for driving.

How painful is CK?

CK is not painful, although you might feel a slight amount of pressure during the procedure or some scratchiness for a few days after the procedure. Be assured that your ophthalmologist will use anesthetic drops during surgery, and some even administer a mild sedative for additional relaxation during the procedure. After surgery, you can ask for a prescription to help ease any discomfort from the scratchy sensation.

Is CK right for everyone?

No. As with any eye surgery, there are reasons for choosing one procedure over another. Your ophthalmologist will consider many factors in determining your eligibility for CK, and whether CK is the best procedure for you.

Take your time in choosing the most qualified and experienced ophthalmologist before committing to any eye surgery. This will assure you that you will get a thorough examination and evaluation, and the best choice of procedures to correct your refractive error.

I have more questions about CK. Where can I find answers?

Many sites answer general questions about CK. Your best option for accurate information is to find a well experienced, highly respected ophthalmologist in your area who can examine you and evaluate your personal vision correction needs while considering your personal health history.

If you have questions for a highly qualified CK ophthalmologist near Chicago, Arlington Heights or Schaumburg, Illinois please visit the website of Doctors for Visual Freedom (www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com) to request answers to your questions about CK.

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