Frequently Asked Questions About CK

Is CK permanent?

The FDA official studies of more than 400 patients have showed good stability to date, after more than 2 years since treatment. One important fact is that longsight and presbyopia (needing reading glasses) tends to progress with age so in years to come a top-up procedure may be needed. As someone commented, “We can turn the clock right back but we can’t stop it ticking”. It is easy to apply additional CK to the cornea and is no more difficult than the original 3-5 minute treatment.

Is CK reversible?

As above, CK seems to be long-lasting in its effects, although long term studies aren’t yet available. The treatment is not in itself reversible. Although it is possible to use traditional laser vision correction to reshape the cornea and undo the effect, CK should be considered irreversible. Because of this, each patient should discuss his or her options fully with Mr. Allamby or Mr. Heaven before going ahead.

How much does CK treatment cost?

CK is comparable to laser correction. You will have a comprehensive consultation. If you are suitable and proceed to have CK, the £50 consultation fee is offset from the cost of treatment. You can pay with either cheque, bankers draft or any major credit or debit card.

Is CK safe? What are the risks and side effects of CK?

Because it is minimally invasive, the procedure has very few surgical complications. More than 400 patients were involved in the official FDA studies in to the effectiveness and safety of CK, prior to its formal approval in April 2002. No patient had a serious complication or lost significant best corrected vision from the CK procedure. It is because of this high safety profile that many patients in the 40-70 age group, typically more conservative than the younger laser vision correction patients, are comfortable coming forward to have CK. These patients like CK because a) there is no blade used, b) no laser is needed, c) no tissue is removed, and d) the important central corneal line of sight isn't touched.
You may experience some foreign body sensation, tearing or discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. You may also notice an initial overcorrection for the first week or two, allowing you to see clearly up close, but with some blurring of your distance vision. Some patients experience halos and glare around lights at night for the first few weeks.

Will my vision improve immediately after CK?

Patients normally notice an improvement in near vision immediately after treatment. It can take a week or so for the vision to settle down, and some fluctuations can continue for a few weeks, as the cornea adjusts to its new shape and reach the final level of correction.

When can I go back to work?

Most patients find they are able to go back to work and perform normal activities by the following day. While recovery is very quick, it is still advisable to get adequate rest and not strain the eyes unduly. Those people who require very high clarity of vision for their jobs (e.g. dentists, some computer operators) may find work more difficult for a few days afterwards.

Will CK hurt?

CK is considered a painless procedure. You will feel a mild pressure on the eyes, and you will be aware of the small retainer used to keep your eyelids apart during the treatment. Afterwards, most patients feel some grittiness or foreign body sensation. Some patients experience mild discomfort. These symptoms subside after about 24 hours. You will be given drops for the first 1-2 days to keep the eyes comfortable.

What kind of anaesthetic is used?

Topical anaesthetic eye drops are used to fully numb the surface of the eye. The drops achieve their full effect after only a few seconds. No injection is needed.

Will I have to wear eye patches afterwards?

There is no need to wear patches or bandages on the eyes after CK. You should bring a pair of sunglasses with you on the day of treatment to reduce any glare from sunlight. You may have a temporary contact lens inserted to reduce any discomfort. The lens will be removed by the doctor the following day.

Can you treat both eyes on the same day?

If treatment is required on each eye, both can be treated on the same day. Most patients having both eyes done choose this option, because of the minimally invasive nature and high safety profile of CK. Each procedure only takes a few minutes to perform.

Why doesn’t CK need a laser?

Laser vision correction works by vapourizing and so removing tissue, reshaping the cornea to provide a new focus. Laser treatment works best for shortsight, for which it was originally developed. CK reshapes the front of the eye by an entirely different method: the application of low-level radiofrequency (RF) energy to specific spots around the edge of the cornea. This causes peripheral collagen to shrink and contract, like a belt being tightened, steepening the central cornea into a new focus.

How do you apply the radio wave energy?

A wire carries the radiofrequency energy from the CK machine to a small pen-shaped instrument. The tip is thinner than a single human hair, and passes into the cornea by less than half a millimetre. It has a specially designed stop to make sure it goes no further than this.

Are there any restrictions after having CK treatment?

Like all vision correction procedures, you will have to take certain precautions to protect your eyes. You should avoid getting any potentially contaminated water in your eyes for the first 7 days. This includes saunas, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, rivers and the sea. Keep your eyes closed while taking a shower for the first few days. Avoid getting any soap in your eyes. You may do mild exercise after 3-4 days, but should avoid getting sweat into the eyes for at least one week. Avoid rubbing your eyes for two weeks and use no eye makeup for 7 days.

Will CK guarantee me 20/20 vision?

No vision correction procedure can guarantee 20/20 vision, including CK. Clinical studies showed that 92% of patients with mild to moderate longsight at or close to 20/20 sufficient to be able to drive without glasses.

Can CK get me out of reading glasses (presbyopia)?

The FDA is currently in the final stages of its CK studies for presbyopia (loss of reading vision). About half of all CK patients are using it to stop wearing their reading glasses, and have normal distance vision. This is achieved by having only one eye treated; this produces an effect called blended vision (or monovision). The CK eye is corrected to give some reading vision while the other has full distance vision. The treated eye is good enough to drive without glasses, and both eyes are still used together for sharp distance vision. The bonus is that the CK eye allows you to read a newspaper, menu etc. without the need to put on the “granny glasses”.

Can CK treat shortsight?

No. CK works by steeping the cornea and correcting longsight. Shortsight must be corrected by flattening the cornea. LASEK or LASIK laser vision correction are the most effective ways to do this.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of my CK treatment?

Like other types of elective vision correction, most insurance plans will not provide cover. You can spread the cost of your CK treatment with one of our financial agreements or by paying with a credit card and making repayments to suit your budget.

Will I ever need glasses or contacts again?

The great majority of CK patients do not need corrective lenses of any kind after the procedure. However, according to your age and type of refractive error, you may need additional correction (CK, glasses, bifocals) at some point in the future. This is due to the eye continuing to change as you get older. Fortunately, CK can be repeated in most cases.

What do I do next?

Please feel free to call our centre on

One of our team will talk to you briefly by telephone to help you know whether you may be suitable, and avoid an unnecessary journey. If you wish to proceed, we will arrange to see you for a full consultation. (You should have someone come with you, so that they may drive you home.)

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