whiter eyes
Fortified CK™ (Conductive Keratoplasty)
Dr. Brian’s wife Selina Boxer Wachler demonstrates the ease of the Fortified CK™ procedure.
Fortified CK (conductive keratoplasty) is typically a quick, PAINLESS and minimally-invasive procedure (takes less than 7 minutes) for mild to moderate levels of presbyopia and farsightedness (hyperopia) – which typically is why you need reading glasses now. CK is also FDA-approved for patients who need reading glasses. Fortified CK can also be used to decrease astigmatism to improve improve quality of distance or reading vision.
If you had LASIK years ago for distance vision and now your reading is getting worse, Fortified CK can improve your reading vision too even years after LASIK.
Fortified CK uses gentle radio-frequency energy to reshape the cornea with precisely placed heat spots there are no incisions. Patients can typically return to work or their daily routine the next day after the procedure, so “down time” is typically only one day. Potential risks include regression (the effect wearing off), dry eyes, and suboptimal results which are rare. We’ve never had anyone lose vision, go blind nor have any infection. Dr. Brian invented Fortified CK to address the potential regression of the regular CK procedure. What makes CK fortified?
Dr. Brian uses his proprietary cornea strengthening procedure called Holcomb C3-R cross-linking (which he invented in 2003 for Keratoconus) immediately after CK to “lock in” the effect to promote longevity. Adding his Holcomb C3-R cross-linking is the key to long-term success.
What Makes CK “Fortified”?
Dr. Brian is the only ophthalmologist in the world to offer this advanced type of CK. He uses his proprietary non-invasive procedure called Holcomb C3-R crosslinking immediately after CK. This involves putting riboflavin (vitamin B2) into the eye and then shining a custom UV light to “lock in” the effects of CK. When combined, these actions strengthen the cornea and help to promote longer-lasting results.
Dr. Brian originally devised the Holcomb C3-R treatment in 2003 to help his keratoconus patients. Over time, he found his other patients, including those with presbyopia, could also benefit from a fortified experience with CK.
| EVALUATIONS | BENEFIT to PATIENT |
| Non-intrusive (no cut) | Reassures apprehensive patients |
| Heat-based techniques | Minimal level of invasiveness |
| No tissue removal | Reduces the risk of infection |
Couple Shares Their Experience with Fortified CK
Who is a Candidate for Fortified CK?
This procedure may be right for you if you answer ‘YES’ to at least 2 of the following questions:
- Do you feel and look younger than your real age?
- Do you squint to read?
- Do you exercise and take care of yourself?
- Do you give away that you’re over 40 when you put on readers/bifocals?
- Does that bother you and frustrate you at times?
- Do you feel like your body is getting older and want to do something about it?
- Do you feel like your body is “slowly falling apart”?
The problem that many men and women over 40 experience is that their natural lens inside the eye is no longer functioning properly due to muscles that have developed slack around the lens and cannot focus it anymore. THE RESULT: needing readers/bifocals.
Aging isn’t fair, that’s for sure. But fortunately NOW something can be done about your aging eyes.
Fortified CK™ involves gently applying heat over the muscles to tighten them. It’s like a ‘mini-facelift’ for your reading muscles. This helps your natural lens focus better for up-close vision.
Fortified CK™ takes only about 10 minutes and can greatly reduce your need for readers and/or bifocals. Best of all, only one eye typically needs to be treated!
Most people report an improvement in their near vision the very next day. And, you can resume most of your normal activities the next day too. Recovery for most patients is a day or two, with known risks including soreness and redness that typically lasts about a week.
For further information about how Fortified CK™ can help you, please call our helpful and friendly staff at 424-274-0958
Hollywood Director of Photography Shares Experience with Fortified CK – (click here)
Fortified CK FAQs
Are there other ways to treat presbyopia?
Presbyopia is most often corrected with prescription eyewear like eyeglasses and contact lenses. Fortified CK is best suited to patients who find putting on or carrying around reading glasses to be a hassle. By undergoing Fortified CK, you can lower the number of situations where you need to rely on prescription lenses to help you see objects close up.
Is radio-frequency energy safe to use on the eye?
Yes, it is very safe to use RF energy on the eye, which is why this technology is currently used in a variety of medical procedures. In fact, RF is considered even gentler and safer than laser procedures, which is why so many patients are attracted to this treatment to overcome their refractive issues. In the hands of an expert like Dr. Brian, risks of complications are exceedingly minimal.
What kind of downtime can I expect after Fortified CK?
It is a good idea to have someone else drive you home after your procedure, and to rest a bit (mostly to give your eyes a break) afterwards. Other than that, you should feel well enough to resume your normal activities, including work, by the following day. You may also wish to postpone activities known to strain the eyes (like staring at a digital screen) for a couple extra days to give your eyes more time to recover.
How soon will I see the results from Fortified CK?
Most likely, you will see an improvement in your near vision as soon as the procedure is complete. However, it often takes a few weeks for the full effects to develop, so you can expect the results to gradually improve. On average, younger patients tend to see their results more quickly.
How long will these results last?
Although Fortified CK produces long-lasting results, the results do not last forever; the reason being is that presbyopia is a progressive condition in which the ability to see close-up objects gradually decreases. With time, your prescription will be higher than what Fortified CK can correct for. Still, most patients are glad they had this procedure because it allows them to avoid reading glasses for longer and also keeps their intermediate vision stronger over the long term.
Can conductive keratoplasty correct my myopia?
Nearsightedness is a different condition, one that Fortified CK unfortunately cannot treat. Radiofrequency energy is ineffective at flattening the cornea, which is generally what is necessary to improve distance vision. If you have myopia, you may be a great candidate for laser refractive surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian to learn more about his custom Fortified LASIK procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
Please contact our office. Phone: 424-274-0958, Text: 424.245.0171, or Email: info@boxerwachler.com to learn more and schedule your evaluation with Dr. Brian.
