IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 3, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- Ophthalmic device
manufacturer Refractec Inc. announced today that the Federal Aviation
Administration has established the protocol for airplane pilots
wanting to reduce their dependence on glasses by having the NearVision
CK (conductive keratoplasty) treatment.
"Certification by the FAA as a vision correction procedure for
pilots validates the safety and value of CK as a refractive treatment,"
said Mitchell B. Campbell, president of Refractec, Inc. "Only the
safest and most effective procedures obtain an FAA protocol, and
we're thrilled that pilots can now enjoy the benefits of NearVision
CK."
FAA Protocol for Conductive Keratoplasty
U.S. pilots who are considering having conductive keratoplasty
to improve their vision may now do so without losing their aeromedical
certification for flying. First, before considering CK, the pilot
should check with his or her employer (if employed by the airlines)
and/or flight medical examiner to determine if CK is an appropriate
treatment option and if post-CK vision meets their individual requirements
for flying.
For details on certification requirements and the complete protocol
for CK, please visit the Federal Aviation Administration website
at www.faa.gov or go to: FAA CK Protocol
In 2004, Refractec's NearVision CK became the leading nonlaser
refractive procedure in the U.S. and is the fastest growing vision
procedure since the introduction of Lasik. To date, more than 125,000
CK treatments have been performed worldwide and more than 800 physicians
are certified to perform NearVision CK.
About NearVision CK
NearVision CK uses radiofrequency energy, instead of a laser,
to reshape the cornea. There is no cutting and no removal of tissue.
The procedure takes less than three minutes and is done in-office
with only topical (eye drop) anesthesia. In FDA studies, 98 percent
of patients could see J5 (magazine- and newspaper-size print) following
the procedure and 87 percent could read J3 or phonebook-sized print.
NearVision CK is performed using a probe thinner than a strand
of hair that releases radiofrequency energy. Applied to the cornea
in a circular pattern, the radio waves shrink small areas of collagen
to create a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt) that
increases the curvature of the cornea, bringing near vision back
into focus.
NearVision CK is indicated for the temporary improvement of near
vision in emmetropic presbyopes (those who require only reading
glasses) and hyperopic presbyopes (those who require reading and
distance glasses). Website www.refractec.com
