As the human eye ages, its lens loses flexibility and therefore the ability to focus on objects up close, a condition called presbyopia. Normally, the lens will change shape when light passes through it in order to accurately focus the light rays on the retina. This function is lost over time as the muscles and other structures of the eye become dehydrated. 

Usually this problem can be corrected with reading glasses or bifocals that magnify images up close so you do not have to squint when trying to read or make out fine details. However, you can avoid the trouble of corrective lenses with conductive keratoplasty (CK), a non-invasive procedure that reshapes the cornea using low-frequency radio waves.

Is CK right for you?

In addition to individuals suffering from presbyopia, those with mild hyperopia or farsightedness may benefit from CK. Both presbyopia and hyperopia can lead to eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort of the eyes. If these are familiar problems for you, CK may be an ideal solution. The procedure is low-risk, and unlike other eye surgeries, does not necessitate the removal of tissue.

What to Expect After the Procedure

CK is excellent for those who would like to delay the need for corrective lenses in later adulthood, but you should be aware that results are not fully permanent. You will experience a long-term improvement of your mid-field vision, but you may still need reading glasses for close vision correction in the future. As you age, the structures in your eyes continue to degenerate—the rate at which this occurs varies from person to person.

To learn more about how CK may benefit you, schedule a consultation with Sloane Vision Center in Chicago. Contact us on our website or call (630) 225-7293 for extensive information about our services.

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Patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional LASIK may benefit from the Epi LASIK procedure, which does not require that a flap be cut into the cornea. Watch this video to learn how Epi LASIK works.

In Epi LASIK, a surgeon uses a specially designed suction cup and tissue removal device to remove the epithelial layer of the cornea so that the underlying corneal tissue is exposed. After the procedure is complete, the epithelial layer is replenished. This method results in an easier healing process and lower risks of surgery than traditional LASIK.

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To learn if Epi LASIK is the right procedure to correct your vision, schedule a consultation with Sloane Vision Center in Chicago. Contact us on our website or give us a call at (630) 225-7293 to learn more.

More from Sloane Vision Center: Sloane Vision Center, Sloane LASIK, Lasik Chicago, Epi LASIK Chicago

LASIK is a popular procedure that reshapes the cornea so that light may be properly focused onto the retina, enabling clearer vision at all distances. For cases of myopia (nearsightedness), where the eye is too long, LASIK is used to flatten the cornea so that light is able to reach the retina. Hyperopia (farsightedness) is corrected with LASIK by adding more of a curve to the cornea so the eye is elongated. Both conditions have a high rate of successful treatment using laser surgery. 

Understanding How LASIK Works

The standard LASIK procedure uses a highly concentrated beam of light to vaporize microscopic sections of the cornea through a small flap in the surface tissue. The doctor has incredibly precise control over the amount of underlying corneal tissue removed so that the eye can take its new shape. Once the laser has done its work, the corneal flap is replaced. Corneal tissue heals with incredible speed, so you will notice improvements in your vision shortly after the procedure is complete.

How Epi LASIK Is Different

One challenge that has prevented potential LASIK candidates from getting the procedure in the past is thin corneas. If a refractive procedure is performed on eyes with a thin cornea, it may result in loss of vision. For patients with this restriction, Epi LASIK is a suitable alternative. Instead of creating a flap in the cornea, Epi LASIK uses a specially designed instrument to separate the epithelial layer to reveal the underlying corneal tissue. This layer is not cut or torn at all during the procedure, and it is simply replaced after the necessary tissue has been excised. The Epi LASIK healing process is gentler than that of traditional LASIK, and many potential complications are eliminated.

Learn which LASIK procedure is right for your eyes at Sloane Vision Center. We offer a wide range of vision correction procedures using the latest advancements in laser technology. Schedule a consultation on our website or by calling (630) 225-7293. 

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