NearVisionCK FAQ's
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| NearVisionCK FAQ's
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Q: Where is the procedure done?
A: NearVisionCK procedures are performed at the TLC Laser Eye Center located in the SouthPark office of Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates.
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Q: How do you determine if I am a candidate?
A: You are likely to be a good candidate for NearVisionCK if (1) you are 45 years of age or older, (2) you have had great distance vision without glasses for most of your life, and (3) you are tired of your reading glasses and are interested in eliminating or reducing your dependency on reading glasses for near vision. Your doctor will perform a complete general eye exam including dilation at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates as the initial step in the process. After this exam, if you are a candidate and wish to proceed, a screening session is scheduled at TLC Laser Eye Center for special testing. You may also schedule your surgery date with TLC if you are ready. After the TLC screening, a second visit is scheduled to your physician for a question and answer session, final testing and surgery preparations. There are no additional charges for the final two steps (TLC screening and discussion).
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Q: Is there a simulation that I can experience before having the procedure?
A: Yes, it is called a Loose Lens Test (LLT). It does not exactly represent the results of the procedure, but it is a very good simulation, enough to help you decide if you are a good candidate. The LLT will be performed by your doctor at the first visit during the general eye exam.
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Q: How is NearVisionCK performed?
A: NearVisionCK is a non-laser procedure that uses controlled radiofrequency (RF) waves, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and improve near vision. Rather than removing tissue with a laser, NearVisionCK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method. The application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy applied in a circular pattern on the peripheral cornea to shrink small areas of corneal tissue results in a central corneal steepening. A small cool probe, about the size and thickness of a human hair, releases the RF energy at the tip. The circular pattern acts like a belt tightening around the cornea to increase its overall curvature and improve near vision.
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Q: How long does the NearVisionCK procedure take and is there any pain?
A: The procedure normally takes approximately five minutes per eye to complete and is performed following the instillation of topical anesthesia (numbing eye drops). There is usually no pain or feeling during the procedure except for mild pressure. The eyelids are held open with an instrument called an eyelid speculum. Most patients will experience some eye irritation or “scratchiness” for the first day following the procedure, but rarely any pain.
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Q: Will the instrument used in the NearVisionCK procedure penetrate my cornea?
A: NearVisionCK is performed using a small thin cool probe (Keratoplast™ Tip) that is as thin as a strand of human hair. The probe is introduced into the cornea to 80% depth and applies controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy at the tip. The depth is controlled by a plastic stop on the probe shaft which guarantees the precise depth of treatment and prevents penetration of the inner eye structures beyond the cornea.
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Q: How is a precise amount of radiofrequency (RF) energy and depth of treatment ensured during the NearVisionCK procedure?
A: The technology used during the procedure was engineered and designed specifically for performing NearVisionCK. This means that the precise amount of RF energy needed to affect the corneal tissue, at the precise tissue temperature and depth of treatment, were meticulously investigated and defined. The consistency of the energy delivered has been shown to be very dependable and much better than previous tissue shrinking technologies. The Keratoplast™ Tip penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes a plastic stop at the very distal portion to assure precise depth of penetration.
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Q: Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe for use on the eye?
A: Yes. The use of RF energy with today’s technology is one of the most advanced surgical techniques. RF energy is safe and proven, and has been used in surgical treatments since the 1950s.
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Q: Will my vision improve immediately after the NearVisionCK procedure?
A: Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their near vision after the NearVisionCK procedure with very little interference with distance and intermediate vision. Initially most patients will indicate that they may (1) have to hold near vision material closer than expected, (2) notice glare and halos at night while driving, and (3) experience some imbalance in depth perception. It may take several weeks for the eyes to adjust to the final level of treatment; this is called neural adaptation. This should be expected by every patient to varying degrees and may last up to 90 days.
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Q: Will my vision fluctuate after NearVisionCK is performed?
A: Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after the procedure as the corneal steepening settles and the neural adaptation (see above question) continues. Patients who have a procedure to steepen the cornea (presbyopia or hyperopia), regardless of the procedure, usually require a longer stabilization period than those who receive a treatment that flattens the cornea (myopia).
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Q: Are both eyes treated?
A: NearVisionCK in most patients is needed on only one eye. However, if a patient's prescription requires treatment on both eyes, CK is typically performed on both eyes on the same day — one eye immediately after the other. Most patients are comfortable having the CK procedure performed on both eyes on the same day because the procedure is minimally invasive, takes approximately five minutes, and is performed after applying ample topical anesthesia.
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Q: Will I ever need the procedure again?
A: NearVisionCK is like turning back the clock to your early 40s when you did not need reading glasses. However, you cannot stop the “aging” clock and it may be necessary to perform the procedure again in the future as one’s presbyopia continues to progress. Should you need to tweak the prescription in the future, the cost for additional NearVisionCK is less than the cost for the original procedure. There is a 10% occurrence of either induced astigmatism or undercorrection both of which may benefit from additional treatment called enhancement or balancing procedures. These are covered by the original fees for a period of time following the primary procedure.
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Q: How soon can I return to work?
A: Following the NearVisionCK procedure, the majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities the day after their procedure. Although recovery is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your eyes and to avoid any strain.
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Q: What are the risks and side effects of NearVisionCK?
A: Because NearVisionCK is minimally invasive, the procedure has exhibited very minimal risk and almost no side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after NearVisionCK, 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 (see question above regarding neural adaptation). There is a 10% occurrence of either induced astigmatism or undercorrection both of which may benefit from additional treatment called enhancement or balancing procedure. However, because NearVisionCK does not cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects associated with other vision treatment procedures have not been observed with NearVisionCK.
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Q: Are there restrictions after having NearVisionCK?
A: As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After the NearVisionCK procedure, 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 the procedure. Also, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure. One should wear the protective shields or goggles at night for one week.
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Q: Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision following NearVisionCK?
A: No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a certain result from any vision treatment procedure. However, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print (J3) after having NearVisionCK (12-month follow-up data).
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Q: Is NearVisionCK reversible?
A: As with most vision improvement procedures, NearVisionCK is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed, it is not possible to "remove" its effects. This is an important factor for anyone thinking about undergoing a vision procedure to carefully consider. To make sure NearVisionCK is right for you, seek the advice of your eye doctor.
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Q: Will my health insurance cover the cost of the NearVisionCK procedure?
A: Most health insurance plans do not cover the procedure because it is considered an elective procedure. TLC Laser Eye Center does offer financing packages.
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Q: What is the cost of NearVisionCK?
A: The cost for the original procedure is $1650 per eye. This includes the preoperative screening at TLC Laser Eye Center, the preoperative discussion with your doctor, the surgical procedure, all postoperative care for 12 months with your doctor at Charlotte EENT Associates, and any enhancement for 12 months (excluding a $250 equipment charge). Should you need to tweak the prescription after 12 months, the fee is $825 per eye (one half of the original fee).
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