Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Known as CK to ophthalmologists, conductive keratoplasty is a new laser-less procedure that aims to help treat problems such as long sightedness and presbyopia. It is a simple procedure that uses energy from radiowaves to help shrink the connective tissue in the cornea or front of your eye. By shrinking the cornea, the ophthalmologist can increase the refractive power of your eye, which can allow you to see objects close up again.

How is Conductive Keratoplasty surgery performed?

Just like other laser eye procedures, you will be made comfortable and given eye drops to help prevent you from experiencing any pain. Once your eyelids have been held back with a special tool called a speculum, the surgeon will then mark on a number of small circles in ink. The surgeon then uses a pencil shaped piece of equipment that feels cold and moves it around your cornea in circular motion. This shrinks your cornea, allowing you to view objects up close. This is not painful and you should see a marked improvement in your vision straight away. Usually after two days of rest you will be able to resume your normal daily activities. It can take anything up to a month for your vision to become normal.


Am I suitable for CK?

To be eligible for any type of eye surgery there are a number of things your ophthalmologist will want to know. Amongst other things, they will want to ensure that you:

  • Are fit and well
  • Are not short sighted (CK does not treat myopia)
  • Have no history of eye problems
  • Don’t have a pacemaker
  • Are not pregnant
  • Are not diabetic

Are there any risks with CK?

As with all of the different types of eye surgery, there is always the risk of side effects and complications. Some of these are more common than others such as, over correction, night time symptoms such as glare and starbursts, fluctuations in vision and dry eyes.

How much does Conductive Keratoplasty cost?

This operation is able to help you if you have problems such as presbyopia or far sightedness. It is also ideal if you are over 40 and require reading glasses. As there is no cutting involved in the entire procedure, the risk of developing further problems after the surgery is very little, however there is still a risk that you may develop problems such as dry eye or infection. Many clinics offer this new procedure for approximately £995 per eye, including aftercare.

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