CK Questions & Answers

Q. How does CK correct refractive errors?

A. CK applies radio waves in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of collegen.   This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature of the cornea to treat farsightedness.

Q. Who benefits from CK?

A. You need to meet a certain qualifying criteria to be eligible for CK.  Your eyes must be healthy, your prescription must be stable, and you should be in good general health.  Be over 40.   Have farsighted prescription between +0.75 to +2.50 diopters.  Currently be in bifocals. 

Q. What happens during the evaluation?

A. Your evaluation involves a series of painless tests and dilation of your eyes.  A refraction, measures the amount of correction needed for you to achieve your best vision, measuring the curve, shape and thickness of the cornea, glaucoma test reveals the fluid pressure in the eye, viewing a CK consent video, a consult with your surgeon and scheduling of your surgery.  A complete evaluation usually takes 2-3 hours.

Q. If I wear contact lenses, can I keep them in for the exam?

A. No, since contact lenses help focus light onto the retina by flattening or reshaping the cornea, they will need to be out several days prior to your measurements.  For the doctor to formulate a proper surgical plan for you, your cornea must be in its natural shape at the time of your evaluation.  If you wear soft contacts, they must not be worn for 7 days prior to your exam and minimum 24 hours prior to surgery.  If you wear gas permeable contacts, they must not   be worn for 3 weeks prior to exam and minimum 48 hours prior to surgery.

Q. Will I have to go to the hospital?

A. No. CK is performed at the Abilene Excimer Laser Center on an outpatient basis.  The procedure normally takes a few minutes and only requires anesthetic drops.   CK patients are awake for the procedure and can return home shortly after surgery.  You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. 

Q. What is surgery like?

A. You must fixate on a small light under the microscope.  A lid speculum will be placed between your lids to prevent you from blinking.  Drops will be given and the procedure done.  Your doctor will talk you through the entire process to make you feel more comfortable. 

Q. Is there any pain?

A. There is no pain during the surgery.  You may experience some  discomfort  after surgery. Rest as much as possible during this time.  Taking your pain medication and a nap are highly recommended.  Avoid activities that may cause eye strain, such as reading, for the first 24 hours.  Use your tears and comfort drops.

Q. How often will I have to see the doctor?

A. You will be returning to the office the day after surgery.  After each visit your doctor will advise you of your next appointment.

Q. What kind of results are expected?

A.  Patients will notice a dramatic difference the day following the procedure.  Your outcome will depend on how your body heals and on the amount of correction needed.  Approximately, 80% of the vision recovery occurs within several days, with the last 20% improving over the next 3-6 months.  Your vision will fluctuate.

Q. Are there any risks?

A. Yes, there are risks involved with all surgeries.  Infection is possible, as are undercorrection, overcorrection, irregular astigmatism.  Your doctor will take extreme caution or avoid any risk.

Q. Can I have both eyes done at the same time?

A. In most cases, yes. You also have the option of doing one eye at a time, with the second eye being done one week later.  If you decided to do one eye at a time, you will be able to wear a  contact lens in the non-surgery eye or glasses with little or no prescription for the operated eye.  The contact lens must be removed 24 (soft) to 48 (gas perm.) hours before surgery is performed on the second eye.

Contact us at (800)692-2020 or (325)695-2020