Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK)
| For low amounts of farsightedness, a technique called laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK) is a possible method of thermally changing the shape of the cornea. A special holmium laser is used to deliver laser energy to the peripheral cornea to slightly tighten the fibers and thereby steepen its curvature. The technique only seems to work for low amounts of farsightedness. |
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Recently, the Sunrise Hyperion LTK System received FDA approval for the treatment of hyperopia (0.75 to 2.50 diopters) in January 2000. The procedure is non contact, takes less than three seconds per eye, and is performed with the patient seated. Many doctors see the benefits of the LTK system for treating not only low degrees of hyperopia, but also occasional overcorrections from LASIK procedures. Although not a cure for presbyopia, some physicians are using LTK to create monovision in patients, thus treating presbyopic symptoms by reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. |
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