U.S. Airmen Can Now Take Advantage of Leading Nonlaser Vision Correction

Procedure to Improve Near Vision

    IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 3 /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:
 http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame_g
 uide/media/protocols.pdf
     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).
 
     About Refractec
     Refractec, Inc. is a privately held ophthalmic technology company that
 develops and markets minimally invasive procedures for ophthalmologists and
 their baby boomer patients.  Based in Irvine, Calif., Refractec provides
 "Corrective Solutions for Near Vision" with its proprietary NearVision CK
 (Conductive Keratoplasty) technology.
     Patients can visit (www.myclearvision.com) or call 1-800-752-9544 for more
 information on NearVision CK and to obtain a list of physicians.
 
 

SOURCE  Refractec Inc.

Back to top