Conductive Keratoplasty

CK is an FDA-approved procedure for mild to moderate hyperopia (up to +3 diopters), a condition in which the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short.

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Benefits At-a-Glance
  • CK is a safe, minimally invasive procedure.
  • CK is fast: The procedure is performed in less than three minutes.
  • CK is convenient and comfortable: It is performed in-office with only topical anesthesia.
  • CK does not involve the cutting or removal of tissue; therefore, it meets the needs of patients who are more risk-adverse.
  • CK is the first alternative to laser for hyperopia.

For most of our patients, this is the size of type they can read before CK.

This is the size of type than can read after CK.

CK Patient Profile

Following are the basic criteria in order to be considered a candidate for CK:

  • Age 40 and over
  • No drastic changes in vision or eyeglass prescription within the past year
  • No eye conditions such as glaucoma, severe dryness, keratoconus, herpes of the eye, aggressive keloid formation or corneal dystrophy
  • No physical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy or nursing, and vascular or autoimmune diseases

How CK Works
CK is the first alternative to laser for hyperopia. Research into treating hyperopia has discovered that the application of heat energy to the cornea can cause a shrinking of the corneal tissue (thermokeratoplasty). This shrinkage can treat hyperopia by steepening the surface of 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
Dr. Moore 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 corneal tissue. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature of the cornea. The procedure, which may take less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops).


RF Energy & Its Application

Radiofrequency (RF) technology is one of today's most advanced medical therapies. In addition to its use in CK, RF technology is being used in prostate cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular procedures.

During the CK procedure, a pen-shaped hand piece holds the small probe (Keratoplast™ Tip) that delivers controlled RF energy directly to the internal corneal tissue. The tip serves as an RF antenna while the speculum holding the eye open serves as the return path.

By applying RF energy to the corneal tissue, Ohm's law (V = I R) defines a consistent relationship that determines the heat generated. The voltage (V) determines the electrical field strength within the tissue while the current (I) is defined by the treatment parameters. Impedance is a characteristic of tissue. The characteristics of the energy (e.g., current, waveform, frequency, rep rate and crest factor) 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.



Depth of Treatment & Effects
Several studies have concluded that the depth of collagen shrinkage determines the degree of permanency of the corneal treatment. Because of the intrastromal delivery of RF energy, CK produces collagen shrinkage that encompasses 80% of the corneal thickness.


CK From the Patient's Perspective

Before CK: Once the ophthalmologist has determined the patient to be 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 and ensure the procedure is painless, Dr. Moore imprints a treatment pattern on the cornea using rinse-away dye. The pattern guides Dr. Moore's treatment; each point represents a place where radiofrequency (RF) energy will be applied.

Once the cornea is marked, Dr. Moore uses a small probe, called a Keratoplast™ Tip, to apply the energy 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: Dr. Moore will apply antibiotic drops that the patient will continue using for three 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 procedure.