CRT (CORNEAL REFRACTIVE THERAPY)

What is Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)?

Orthokeratology (Ortho K), also referred to as Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is the use of custom fitted contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight allowing you to see without the use of glasses or contact lenses during the day.

How does it work?

The special CRT lenses gently reshape the eye much in the same way that braces straighten teeth, so that light that once focused in front of the retina now focuses on it.

Who is a good candidate for CRT?

• Recreational athletes

• Professional athletes

• All active lifestyles

• All professions (like firefighters) which require hassle free vision

• Poor LASIK candidates

• Children and teenagers too young for LASIK

• Anyone desiring freedom from glasses and daytime contacts!

..custom fitted contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight allowing you to see without the use of glasses or contact lenses during the day

Who is NOT a good candidate?

In addition to the refractive requirements, patients who have irregular corneal shapes, corneal diseases and degenerations are not good candidates. Patients with amblyopia (lazy eye), or vision in only one eye are also not good candidates.

Is CRT right for me?

CRT treats nearsightedness (myopia) with or without minor astigmatism. And because there are no age restrictions on CRT, it may make perfect sense for you. However, the ultimate decision needs to be made by you and our doctor.

What if I have Astigmatism?

Ortho K can correct some amount of astigmatism, though its effectiveness depends on the amount and type of astigmatism present. In general, up to approximately –2.00 diopters of astigmatism can be treated, though results may vary.

Custom Designed Lenses

We will custom design lenses based on the exact shape of your eyes using an instrument known as a corneal topographer.

Topographical Maps

We will evaluate your topographical maps throughout the procedure to confirm that the process is working well.

How long does it take for Ortho K to work?

Most patients see dramatic improvement in the first few days, with complete vision correction in one to two weeks.

Can I see with the Orthokeratology contact lenses on my eyes?

Yes. Each Orthokeratology contact lens is custom made for each patient and includes your prescription.

How long does my vision hold?

After the first month or two, the effect usually lasts the entire day. Some patients are able to skip a day. However, it is not permanent, and if you stop wearing the lenses, over time, your vision will go back to the original refractive error. So you will have to continue to wear the lenses to maintain the effect.

How long do I need to wear the lenses?

Most orthokeratology patients wear their lenses while they sleep and remove them during waking hours. For most, this is 7 to 8 hours. This is sufficient time for almost all orthokeratology patients to attain maximum effect.

During the first few days while my vision improves, can I still wear contacts or glasses?

The initial adjustment period varies from patient to patient. Disposable soft contact lenses can be worn during this time to provide adequate vision while your vision is changing. Your prescription will be monitored during your follow-up visits and appropriate lenses will be dispensed at that time.

What are the risks of CRT/Orthokeratology?

There is a minimal risk involved when wearing any contact lens. It's important for you to communicate with our office about any potential problems, like redness, irritation or blurry vision.

TIME TO ACT! If you think CRT may be just the thing you're looking for to get rid of your glasses and daytime contacts, then now's the time to do something about it! THE ONLY THING YOU HAVE TO LOSE ARE YOUR GLASSES!