Contact Lens Assisted Pharmacologically Induced Kerato Steepening
(CLAPIKS) is a process to correct residual hyperopia, (farsighted, longsighted) myopia, (nearsighted, shortsighted) and possibly astigmatism after conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, RK, or similar laser assisted refractive surgery with the use of extended wear contact lenses
and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Acular (ketorolac
tromethamine, Allergan). This is an off label use of the eye drops. CLAPIKS is similar to orthokeratology, but is significantly different by the use of Acular.
Surgeons have successfully treated hyperopic overcorrection following Lasik, LASEK, PRK, Epi-Lasik, and RK,
by molding the cornea with a tight fitting contact lens and Acular. CLAPIKS
has shown to be effective on patients who have been overcorrected
by 0.50 to 3.00 diopters of hyperopia following refractive surgery. This is
a new technique and doctors are still discovering its application
and limitations.
There is some concern about NSAID's side effects of corneal melting.
Allergan has not reported melting in people with normal corneas.
CLAPIKS has initially been used only with Acular, but other NSAIDs
may be appropriate. Patients with collagen diseases or other corneal
melt problems should not be treated with this technique.
The process usually takes several weeks of continued contact
lens fitting and use of the drug before significant refractive change
is achieved. Click CLAPIKS for a copy of the CLAPIKS protocol, suitable for an
eye doctor. To view this file, you must have Acrobat Reader.
Looking For Best Lasik Surgeon?
If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional
or custom wavefront Lasik, Bladeless Lasik, PRK, or any refractive surgery procedure, we recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization.
Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Doctor.
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