What is CRT?

CRT (short for corneal refractive therapy) is a nonsurgical procedure using specially designed contact lenses to gently reshape the curvature of the eye to improve vision.    CRT lenses were FDA approved in June 2002 and hundreds of thousands of people, worldwide, are enjoying them  This therapeutic contact lens gently and safely reshapes the cornea while you sleep to correct nearsightedness (myopia).  Most commonly referred to as “Corneal Reshaping”, CRT offers a safe, non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that temporarily corrects nearsightedness up to -6.00 diopters, and mild amounts of astigmatism.  CRT is also known as orthokeratology, or OrthoK.

How CRT works

A Certified Paragon CRT® Contact Lens Practitioner discusses  Ortho-K Lenses (also known as CRT lenses) with Dia and Lee
on LEX 18 News, February 3, 2016.

 

Who is a good candidate for CRT?

If you are one of the billions of people in the world who are nearsighted and you want the freedom from your daytime contacts or glasses then CRT may be a great option for you!  If you’re one of the many individuals who experience dry eye or contact lens discomfort, CRT may be the treatment option for you.  In fact, many successful CRT patients were previous soft lens wearers.  If you experience dry eye, LASIK may not be an appropriate option, making CRT an excellent alternative. It temporarily eliminates the need for daytime contacts or glasses and is a nonsurgical alternative for patients who prefer a less permanent treatment option.  Those with less than -6.00 diopters of nearsightedness and less than -1.50 diopters of astigmatism would be considered good candidates.
Young Family Photos 2013-5337-Edit

There are no age restrictions with CRT – Making it a perfect option for kids!

Recent studies suggest that 75% of children are capable of wearing corneal reshaping lenses. CRT Brand Contact Lenses are worn at night and could be a perfect treatment option to correct your child’s nearsightedness (myopia). Imagine your child getting up in the morning to go to school and instead of putting on daytime contact lenses, they remove them and see clearly all day long. No lost contact lenses. No broken glasses. No hassles. Just great vision!

 

What Studies Have Been Done?

 

Visit the manufacturer’s page for a list of a few clinical studies that have been conducted here.

Testimonial

“The lenses have helped me see more clearly day to day and are great since they only have to be worn at night. I got used to them quickly!” – A.N.

“The CRT lenses have improved my son’s vision over a short period of time. They are convenient since they only need to be worn at night. CRT is a great substitute for glasses!” – L.N.

Corneal Reshaping with CRT is not permanent so, if, in the unlikely event, you choose to stop wearing your CRT lenses, your cornea will return to its pre-treatment shape.  CRT Brand Contact Lenses provide device-free vision during the day to improve your quality of life at home, at school, while driving, at work and at play!

No Glasses. No Daytime Contacts. No Surgery. No Kidding!

No Glasses. No Daytime Contacts. No Surgery. No Kidding!

How are the lenses inserted and removed?

 

There is a very helpful short video that can help your child learn how to properly insert and remove the lenses here.

 

Myopia Prevention and Control

What is Myopia?

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a problem where distance vision becomes blurry, most often sometime during the early school years. This blur creates difficulties with school work and other activities such as sports where far vision is important. The common solution of wearing glasses or contact lenses is temporary as most children will get worse each year, resulting in more blur and thicker lenses. Increased levels of myopia also create increased risks for other eye diseases such as glaucoma and detached retinas. Approximately 25% of the adult population in the United States is myopic and the rate is much higher in some ethnic groups.

What can be done?

Multi-year testing has shown that OrthoK corrects nearsightedness and, in addition, actually prevents children from becoming more nearsighted.  This is fantastic for those who start off with a low level of nearsightedness.  With continual OrthoK treatment, they will return to their original amount of nearsightedness, as opposed to the increased amount of nearsightedness if left untreated.  A twenty year old could potentially end up with the vision they had when they were 10.  OrthoK correction is able to actually control the shape and length of the eye..

Do other methods of control work?

Because the science behind myopia development has only recently been determined, many unsupported claims of prevention or cures developed over the years.  Various techniques have been advocated, varying everywhere from rubbing the eyes, staring at the sun, wearing bifocal glasses, avoiding reading and eye exercises.  Some of these ides are dangerous or blinding and all of them fail to help a great majority of those trying them.  OrthoK works and works very well.  There is only one other proven technique: the use of a specific prescription eye drop that paralyzes eye muscles, making the person unable to read without glasses, unable to tolerate bright light and prone to significant side effects from the drops themselves.  OrthoK is the only proven, reasonable method to significantly alter the progression of myopia.  Overnight treatment. Daytime freedom. 

How do I prevent myopia progression?

You can learn more by visiting: Myopia Prevention and Control