New Post-Lasik Trial Tests Near Vision Procedure

April 14, 2006

The millions of Americans who have gotten Lasik surgery usually face returning to glasses or contacts as their near vision, like most people’s, starts to decline with age.

Refractec Inc. of Irvine, Calif. has elected five ophthalmic practices in the nation to conduct experimental trials for a procedure called Post-Lasik NearVision CK (conductive keratoplasty).

Conductive keratoplasty, a radio-wave treatment, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatments of age-related loss of near vision (presbyopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia).

Now, Refractec wants to determine if the three-minute procedure is safe to use on those who have undergone Lasik surgery.

Dr. Daniel Durrie, lead investigator for a preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said there were no safety problems with the use of CK in patients who have had Lasik.

“The first 42 Lasik patients participating in the clinical trial had a very enthusiastic response to NearVision CK, with 81 percent reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with their post-operative vision,” Durrie said in a release. “We are continuing to see positive results with patients enrolled in the study, and hope to complete enrollment this winter.”

According to the results of the preliminary study, the procedure made a difference in the following tasks involving near vision:

· After the NearVision CK treatment, 95 percent of patients could read a computer screen, compared to only 67 percent who could before the procedure.

· Eighty-six percent of patients were able to read menus or scorecards without glasses following the procedure, compared to only 29 percent who were able to prior to NearVision CK.

The expanded trials will involve approximately150 more patients over 45 who have had Lasik and will receive CK.

With a thin probe, CK applies radio waves in a circular motion on the outer cornea, which shrinks collagen in small areas. The shrinkage forms a constrictive band that increases the curvature of the cornea, significantly improving near vision.

For more information on LASIK and other vision correction procedures, please contact a LASIK surgeon near you by selecting a state below for a consultation.