Vision Correction Surgery

Conductive Keratoplasty^SM (CK)^SM

Pabalan Eye Center specializes in Conductive Keratoplasty, a breakthrough procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten collagen tissue within the cornea to treat low to moderate farsightedness and presbyopia.

CK is especially designed for those over 45 who have become more dependent on reading glasses than they would like to be.

Using a controlled release of radiofrequency energy into the stroma (the middle layer of cornea), the peripheral corneal tissue is tightened, which makes the central cornea steeper and increases its focusing power.

CK makes the central cornea steeper, 
increasing its focusing power

CK is for those who:

• have had good vision most of their life, but are having progressive loss of close vision
• want to reduce their dependence on glasses, reading glasses or contacts  
• are at least 40 years of age
• have not had a significant change in their vision for one year
• have no health issues affecting their eyes
• have not had previous vision correction surgery
• are not pregnant or nursing

CK is now FAA approved for pilots!

FAA Approved Fix For Near Vision

The FAA has approved a procedure called conductive keratoplasty to fix near vision problems in pilots who now must rely on glasses to read charts or the panel. "Certification by the FAA as a vision correction procedure for pilots validates the safety and value of CK as a refractive treatment," said Mitchell Campbell, president of Refractec, which makes the equipment for the procedure. CK is not to be confused with laser surgery. There's no cutting or burning of the eye. CK uses radio waves to reshape the cornea so the eye can focus closer. The radio energy shrinks the collagen on the cornea in a circular band that tightens and reshapes it. The procedure takes about three minutes, uses only an eyedrop anesthetic and, Mitchell said, FDA tests show 87 percent of patients can see telephone-book sized print after the treatment and 98 percent can see magazine-sized print. The treatment is considered "temporary" but the company didn't say how long it lasts. Find more information at www.ckspecialist.com

What to expect on surgery day:

	Your eye will be completely numbed with powerful eye drop anesthesia

Then, while lying back, you'll be asked to look at a small  microscope light. Dr. Pabalan will lightly mark your eye with a series of dots and then touch the dots with the probe making a full circle around the outer margins of the cornea. There will be 8 to 32 treatment points, depending on the amount of correction you need. As the dots are touched, radio waves tighten the tissue, producing a strengthening effect that creates a more curved central cornea. Some patients elect to have only one eye treated to give them "Blended Vision", a combination of distance and near vision .

CK - There will be 8 to 32 treatment points.

Immediately after your CK, the doctor will examine your eyes and you will go home and relax for the rest of the day. You will experience some scratchiness and watering of your eyes. This starts to improve within several hours, especially if you keep your eyes closed and rested. Special medications can be taken to help relieve this initial discomfort. Normal activities are generally resumed within a day or two. As with other vision correction procedures, you may experience some discomfort and light sensitivity (glare or halos) for a few days following CK.

What to expect after surgery:

While many patients see improvement in their near vision immediately after the procedure, there may be fluctuation in both the distance and near vision for the first several weeks. Do not be alarmed by this.

It will take 1-3 months for vision to fully balance, or 'settle in'. During this time, your distance vision may be slightly blurry, and your near vision may be extra-strong, as the cornea relaxes to the desired endpoint. 

Realistic Expectations:

The decision to have CK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

CK is intended to reduce, but not totally eliminate the need for reading glasses. The goal is to improve your ability to perform many of your daily near tasks without reading glasses, for example, reading a menu, a magazine, your watch, or a business card; reading price tags at the store, dialing your cell phone, etc.

You may still occasionally need reading glasses for the most demanding near tasks such as reading bible-sized print, threading a needle, or reading uninterrupted for many hours.

While CK is described as "turning back the clock" on your near vision, the clock doesn't stop running. Thus, CK is not meant to last forever - you may need more CK as your near vision naturally continues to weaken with age.

Serious complications with CK are extremely rare. CK is a safe and effective procedure, but like any medical procedure, it does have some risks. After a thorough eye exam, you and Dr. Pabalan will determine if CK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

CK is a safe and effective procedure, but like
any medical procedure, it does have some risks

Alternatives to CK

CK is the only surgical procedure approved for treating presbyopia, but it is not the only surgical procedure designed to treat farsightedness. To learn about other vision correction procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

For more information about CK visit: www.refractec.com

We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans.  It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.

VISIT US AT: 4440 Brockton Avenue,Suite 130 CA 92501
PH: 951-682-4353| FAX: 951-682-6848
EMAIL: judyg@pabalaneyecenter.com