Andrew Caster MD, of world renowned Caster Eye Center in Beverly Hills, sees several patients and answers hundreds of questions about the different types of laser vision correction. Among the most common questions, are those involving older patients who are looking to improve near distance vision. You may, or know someone who may be in a similar situation. It is a common problem in people over the age of 45, who generally have good distance vision, but have trouble seeing things up close, often employing the use of bifocals. This condition is known as "presbyopia," or "old eyes." Fortunately, there are a few laser vision correction procedures to correct this very same condition.

Andrew Caster MD suggests a procedure called, NearVision CK, formally known as conductive keratoplasty, which is a technique that is useful for a person who has always had good distance vision (or had the distance vision corrected with Lasik) but needs better close-up vision. NearVision CK is the only procedure approved by the FDA for the treatment of presbyopia.

NearVision CK uses radio-frequency energy to change the curvature of the cornea. In NearVision CK, the energy is applied to the periphery of the cornea in sets of eight spots. As this peripheral tissue constricts, the central cornea steepens, resulting in an improvement in near vision. The procedure takes about five minutes, and the patient is able to sit up and see the results immediately. No injections of any kind are needed, though an oral medication is usually given to cause relaxation; the procedure is performed using eyedrops to numb the eye.

NearVision CK creates a form of monovision, which is known as "blended vision". In classic monovision, says Andrew Caster MD, one eye in a patient over 45 years old is adjusted for near vision and the other eye for distance vision. A person over 45 years old who has excellent distance vision in both eyes can have monovision treatment in one eye, turning that eye into a "near" eye. This "near" eye, combined with the other untreated "distance" eye, will give the person both distance and near vision, which is referred to as monovision. Monovision can also be created using contact lenses, or with Lasik.

As with any treatment, there is variability in how each individual responds, and enhancement treatments are sometimes necessary after the initial healing period. Also, as each person gets older, the eyes will also continue to age, and additional treatment may be necessary to maintain the effect in 3-5 years. To schedule a consultation with Andrew Caster MD, to see whether you are a good candidate for NearVision CK, visit www.castervision.com today.