Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)

Better Vision without Glasses or Contact Lenses

Don't want surgery? Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is an option for you. A series of contact lenses will actually re-mold the cornea, like retainers on teeth, while you sleep. If you work in a dirty environment or around vapors that irritate contact lens wearers, CRT is for you. If you are an avid sports participant and find glasses or contact lenses a nuisance, CRT is for you. If you are nearsighted and your vision is not stable (your eyes are getting more nearsighted), CRT will help slow the deterioration, CRT is for you!

Does Corneal Refractive Therapy have advantages over laser surgery?

There are several advantages! Corneal Refractive Therapy is FDA-approved and has no age limits. It is fully reversible, unlike laser surgery. It does not involve any postoperative pain or medications. In addition, Corneal Refractive Therapy has been known to slow down and in most cases stop the advance of nearsightedness. If changes do not occur, vision is easily restored by modifying the therapeutic lens — not by more surgery. Finally, the cost is significantly less than that of quality refractive surgery.

Is everyone suitable for Corneal Refractive Therapy, and can any doctor perform it?

The answer to both questions is no. A brief, no-charge evaluation will tell us if you are a candidate. This evaluation can be performed separately or as part of your routine examination. We have received specialized training and utilize the necessary diagnostic equipment, computer software, and expertise to perform Corneal Refractive Therapy safely and effectively.

Who can benefit most from Corneal Refractive Therapy?

Corneal Refractive Therapy is an excellent option for athletes, children who are too young for laser surgery, and anyone whose job or hobby environments are too dusty or otherwise not conductive to contact lenses or glasses. It is also a great option for anyone who wants freedom from daytime glasses or contacts.

What does Corneal Refractive Therapy involve?

First, a comprehensive eye health examination is performed. Next, a computerized instrument called a Corneal Topographer is used to obtain a precise "map" of the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye. This information, along with your prescription and eye health information, is used to determine your status as a good candidate for Corneal Refractive Therapy. If so, the corneal map and prescription are used to custom-design the therapeutic lens retainers.

The majority of patients achieve excellent vision in only a few days. Even after you are seeing well, we will continue to schedule follow-up visits, to ensure your eyes are adapting well and that proper fit and vision are maintained.

Only you can make the final decision in consultation with your doctor, and we want you to have all the information you need to make the right choice. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to helping you see life in a whole new way!

CRT Testimonials

Tyler J., Age 11: “Wearing CRT lenses is COOL!!! The best part is that I can go to a sleep over and not have to worry about wearing any glasses or contacts.”

Therese V., Mom: “Tyler's vision had gotten twice as bad in one year's time. Now he's 2-15 all day without glasses! It's also much safer than glasses or contacts when he plays basketball.”

Joshua K., Age 12: “I like the CRT's because they replaced my old glasses. I would usually forget to clean my glasses. I wouldn't be able to see the clock at night. My vision kept getting worse until I got my CRT's. Now that I have CRT's, I don't have to worry that my glasses will break. Yes, I would recommend the CRT's to anybody because they will replace their glasses and their vision wouldn't get worse.”

Allison M., Age 17: “I love my CRT lenses. They are great for my active lifestyle. I can dance and play tennis without the annoyance of glasses. They are great because I don't have glasses in the classroom anymore, an event that would cause quite a few headaches! Driving without glasses is also better. I can wear my UV sunglasses now during the day and my night vision isn't cloudy or obstructed by lenses. As a teen I don't sleep very much, but these lenses help my eyes stay awake as long as I am!”

Aimee, Age 26: “Anyone who has to wear glasses 24/7 should try these CRT lenses. I was so tired of wearing glasses for EVERYTHING!! This was the best decision I ever made. I only wish I had done this sooner. I am now glasses free!”

For more information, visit: www.paragoncrt.com.