Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK) utilizes gentle heat applied with a laser to change the shape of the cornea. While the concept is quite simple, the procedure is highly advanced and potentially represents a major step forward in the treatment of certain refractive errors of the eye, including hyperopia (farsightedness or the inability to see near) and presbyopia (loss of near-focusing ability due to aging). Sunrise Technologies has been conducting clinical trials in the US on the Hyperion LTK System for treatment of these conditions, and on June 30, 2000 the US Food and Drug Administration approved the system.

About the Procedure 

• Designed to be a safe, "no-touch" procedure: Unlike LASIK and other available refractive surgical procedures, LTK does not invlove cutting or removing corneal tissue. The patient sits upright as if having an eye exam. The LTK procedure simultaneously applies two concentric rings of laser energy to the mid-periphery of the cornea to gently heat the cornea and steepen its curvature. The laser energy is not applied to the visually important center of the cornea (the part you see through), and no instrumentation touches the eye. The Sunrise Hyperion LTK System has met or exceeded all safety requirements for laser refractive surgery set by the FDA for US clinical trials. This procedure represents the latest available alternative for the treatment of hyperopia and presbyopia in the US.
• Designed to be fast and effective: The LTK procedure can be done in the doctor's office, takes two to three seconds, and most patients notice an immediate improvement in vision. In fact, the average "chair time" most patients should experience is five minutes. Other currently available procedures can take up to 20 minutes and are done in a semi-sterile operating room.
• Designed for positive outcomes:In US clinical trials of the Sunrise LTK procedure, there were no reported laser-related adverse events or sight-threatening complications. Results show a significant reduction of farsightedness and a significant improvement in distance vision without glasses. The procedure has won extremely high patient acceptance and satisfaction.
• Designed specifically for hyperopia and presbyopia: While farsightedness is the most common refractive error of the American population, over 90 percent of refractive surgeries performed in 1999 (about 950,000) were LASIK, PRK and RK which are designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness). The LTK procedure offers a new option for doctors to provide to their hyperopic and presbyopic patients.