Frequently Asked Questions about CK

We hope you'll find the answer to your question here. If not, please feel free to contact us online here or ring our friendly, knowledgeable staff on FREEPHONE 0800 781 7177.

To read our FAQ about laser procedures click here.

Are there restrictions after having CK?

As with any other type of vision procedure, certain precautions should be taken after CK. You should avoid getting contaminated water in your eyes for at least one week. This includes water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, and the sea. When showering or taking baths you should keep your eyes closed to avoid getting soap and dirty water in them. When exercising, sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at least a week after surgery. Also, you should avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously for two weeks following the procedure. Eye makeup should not be used for one week after surgery.

Will I ever need glasses or contact lenses again?

The vast majority of patients do not need corrective lenses of any kind after the CK procedure. However, depending on your age and the type of refractive disorder you have, you may need additional vision correction (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals at some point.) This is because your eyes continue to change as you age.

Can CK correct presbyopia?

The CK procedure is approved by the FDA for the treatment of presbyopia. CK maybe used to treat presbyopia through a technique in which one eye is corrected for near vision and the other for distance vision, which is known as blended vision. The minimally invasive nature and excellent safety profile of CK offer the potential to change the way presbyopic patients are treated.

Can CK correct myopia (short-sightedness?)

CK is intended for hyperopia where the cornea requires steepening. CK is not designed to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the correction of myopia.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the procedure?

Because CK is elective surgery, most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available to spread the cost of CK. For more information on this, please contact us.

Are both eyes corrected on the same day?

For patients who require treatment in both eyes CK is typically performed on both eyes on the same day – one eye immediately after the other. Most patients are comfortable having both eyes corrected on the same day because CK is minimally invasive and requires only a few minutes to perform.

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Will I have to wear patches over my eyes after the procedure?

You will not have to wear patches or bandages. However, your eyes may be scratchy and light sensitive for the first 24 – 36 hours. Wearing good sunglasses and keeping your eyes closed as much as possible will ease these symptoms.

How soon will I be able to return to work?

With CK, the majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities 1 – 3 days after their procedure. Although recover is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your eyes and avoid any strain. Those whose jobs demand extreme clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery or computer work) may find their work more difficult to perform for several days after having had the procedure.

What will I feel during the procedure?

CK is considered painless. You will be aware of a lid support which helps to hold your eye open. The most common sensation that patients experience is a feeling of pressure on the eye. After surgery there may be some mild discomfort. Many patients complain of a foreign-body sensation or a slight scratchiness in the eye. This usually subsides within 24 hours.

What type of anaesthetic is used in CK?

A topical anaesthetic in the form of eye drops is used to numb the eye. Some patients who are very nervous and have a high level of anxiety about the procedure will be given a mild sedative to help them relax.

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Why doesn’t CK use a laser?

Lasers reshape the cornea by ablating (removing) tissue. CK reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method: the application of low level, radiowave energy to specific spots around the cornea. This causes the tissue of the cornea (collagen) to shrink in a very controlled way, creating a constrictive “band” that gives the cornea a steeper shape.

Will the instrument used in the procedure penetrate my cornea?

The tip of the CK instrument is thinner than a human hair. It is placed less than half a millimetre into the cornea to deliver the radiowave energy. The probe has a special guard to prevent it going any further.

What are risks and side effects of CK?

Because CK is minimally invasive and very controlled, the procedure has very few surgical complications. During the first 24 – 48 hours after surgery, you may experience watery eyes and some discomfort including a foreign-body sensation in the eyes. You may also experience a slight over correction of your vision allowing you to see better close up, although your distance vision may be blurry. This will stabilise during the following weeks.

Is CK permanent?

After an initial period of regression, which is accounted for in the treatment plan, the correction is considered to be fairly stable and the benefit long lasting. Whilst we can turn the clock back – we can’t stop it ticking, and our eyes will continue to change as we age.

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Is CK reversible?

As with most vision correction procedures, CK is not reversible. Once the procedure has been performed it is not possible to “remove” the effects of the procedure. This is an important factor that anyone thinking about surgery should carefully consider. To make sure CK is right for you, discuss your visual needs with our surgeon, Mr Heaven (Lens-Exchange).

Will my vision improve immediately after treatment?

Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in their vision after the CK procedure. However, it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to reach the final level of correction.

Will my vision fluctuate after the procedure is performed?

Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after surgery, but many will never notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who undergo vision procedure for long-sightedness usually require a longer stabilisation period than those treated for presbyopia.

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