CK PATIENT PERSPECTIVES
CK: A Life-changing Experience
After conductive keratoplasty, this ophthalmologist regained his near vision -- and his freedom.

If I could sum up in one word what the conductive keratoplasty (CK) procedure has meant for me, that word would be "freedom." Freedom from carrying (and misplacing) reading glasses. Freedom to perform daily activities without the barrier of near-vision problems. Freedom from frequent, daily frustration. CK has changed my life, and I'd do it again tomorrow.

THE FRUSTRATION

The first time I noticed a problem with my near vision, I was 46 years old and trying to read a map in my car at night. I was lost, and I just couldn't read the small type in the dim light. It was very frustrating. I soon began having difficulty reading the newspaper and using my PDA and my cell phone without reading glasses.

Not only did I feel old wearing reading glasses, but I also had to carry them everywhere and pause in my activities to put them on.

I reached a turning point when I forgot to take my reading glasses to church one Sunday and had to put the hymnal on the floor to read it. At that moment, I decided to get the CK procedure.

THE SURGERY DECISION

I think most of us who've had good vision all our lives are reluctant to have surgery. I couldn't read as well anymore, but I had good distance vision, so I didn't immediately decide to have surgery.

I studied CK in the literature and at meetings, and I discussed it with my colleagues. I learned that not only is CK extremely safe, but it also can improve near vision while maintaining good distance vision. I felt satisfied with the procedure's safety and efficacy and optimistic about its longevity.

THE RESULTS

Before having CK, I hoped it would enable me to do most things without my reading glasses. But the results have been well beyond my expectations. I can read even the finest print -- a real necessity for some of the reports I receive in my practice. Simple tasks that weren't possible 6 months ago -- like reading my mobile phone caller ID or a restaurant menu -- are now easy to do without a second thought. I'm optimistic about how long the procedure's effects will last, but I wouldn't hesitate to have CK again, even if the results lasted just a few years. It's been a life-changing experience.

Dr. Davies practices at InnoVision Centers in Carlsbad, Calif. Daniel S. Durrie, M.D., was his CK surgeon.

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