FDA OKs Device to Treat Farsightedness

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new surgical device to treat farsightedness that uses radio frequency waves, instead of a laser, to zap the cornea into shape, Irvine-based Refractec Inc. announced.

Refractec said its “conductive keratoplasty,” or CK, is a little less invasive than today’s laser surgery and has fewer side effects.

In a CK treatment, heat-causing radio frequency waves pass through a probe that doctors guide around the edge of the cornea.

In one study, 56% of treated eyes had 20/20 vision or better without glasses a year after surgery. But the FDA cautioned that vision can deteriorate for at least a year after surgery.

The surgery will cost patients $1,500 to $2,000 per eye, about the same as LASIK, Refractec said. Doctors can buy the CK system for $48,500.