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What is LTK? | Procedure | Candidate requirements | Advantages

What is it?

The Sunrise LTK‘ procedure is the first refractive laser procedure designed specifically to correct farsightedness. The LTK procedure is most effective in patients who are mildly farsighted. The procedure only takes three seconds per eye and involves no cutting or removal of corneal tissue.

Over half the population is slightly farsighted. Farsightedness means that an individual has difficulty seeing well either up close or far away. It typically manifests itself over the age of 40. When moderately farsighted individuals are young, they see extremely well at a distance. They can also see fairly well up close. However, as farsighted individuals age, their eyes lose the ability to compensate and once they reach age 40, they can no longer see near objects distinctly. As time goes on, people who are farsighted also lose some of their ability to see distant objects clearly. They don’t really focus very well on objects at any distance. These patients, who have been dependent on bifocals, trifocals, reading glasses, or contacts, are ideal candidates for the LTK procedure.

There are nearly twice as many Americans over age 40 who are farsighted as the number who are nearsighted. In fact, there are approximately 188 million Americans over the age of 40 and about 60 million of them (or 52 percent) are farsighted. About 62 percent, or 37 million, of farsighted Americans are low to moderately farsighted and are good candidates for the LTK Procedure.

Procedure

The LTK procedure is done in the doctor’s with the patient sitting upright in a chair as if having a routine eye exam. One eye is covered with a patch. The patient looks into the machine with the other eye. In just three seconds, a homium YAG laser gently applies two concentric rings of eight simultaneous spots on the periphery of the cornea. The energy from the laser heats collagen in the cornea causing the affected areas to shrink. Consequently, the cornea becomes steeper, improving the refractive (focusing) power of the cornea. The laser energy is not applied to the visually important center of the cornea (the part you see through) and no instrument touches the eye. It is so safe that both eyes can be treated the same day.

Because the LTK Procedure only takes three seconds, the patient normally comes into the office, has the procedure done, and is headed back home in less than an hour. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision. Antibacterial eyedrops are prescribed as a precautionary measure.

Candidate requirements

Although clinical studies are underway on individuals who are extremely farsighted or who suffer from presbyopia, the LTK procedure is currently available to patients who meet the following criteria:

• Age 40 or over
• Low to moderate hyperopia (farsightedness) in the +0.75 to +2.50 diopter range
• Stable vision for at least six months and healthy eyes
• Astigmatism less than or equal to ±0.75 diopters
  

Advantages

The LTK Procedure differs from other refractive procedures in a number of ways:

• Safe - The "no-touch" LTK Procedure does not cut or remove corneal tissue. Because corneal tissue is not cut and no instruments touch the eye, there is very little risk of infection or complications.
  
• Fast and effective – The LTK Procedure is preformed in the office and takes about three seconds of actual laser time. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision. Results show a significant reduction of farsightedness as well as a significant improvement in distance vision without glasses.
• Quick Recovery – Patients generally have improved vision immediately after the procedure and can return to work and resume their regular activities the day after treatment.