Ortho K/CRT

Orthokeratology is a safe, non-surgical contact lens procedure to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness and astigmatism, dramatically improving the natural vision.

The Ortho-K procedure was developed in 1962 and has provided corrective eye care to thousands of patients through the therapeutic use of contact lenses. A series of Ortho-K lenses are fitted in progressive stages to gently reshape the eye’s front curvature (the cornea) to improve visual errors.

Like all human system, the visual mechanism is subject to defects. However, most of these defects can be optically corrected with eyeglasses and contact lenses, and are not related to disease. In the same sense that teeth may be straightened by the use of braces, structural irregularities of the eye (refractive errors) can be reduced or eliminated by the used of contact lenses.

The Ortho-K contact lenses consist of a high oxygen permeable material with a special design that encourages corneal curvature changes. The procedure involves though examinations, lens changes, and/or lab modifications each 2-8 weeks until maximum desired results occur. Retainer contact lenses are then worn as necessary to stabilize the newly acquired shape and improved visual performance.

RESULTS
With new contact lens designs, and oxygen permeable materials and computerization, results have improved dramatically. Many patients, utilizing these lenses in conjunction with newer techniques, are able to see improved results in much shorter periods of time.

Corneal Molding, also known as corneal remanufacture therapy or CRT, a non-surgical treatment option for people suffering from mild to moderate nearsightedness or astigmatism. CRT offers a legitimate alternative to laser vision correction for many people. This procedure uses specially designed contact lenses, which are prescribed to reshape the surface of the cornea and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

CRT treatment involves changing the curvature of the cornea by temporarily molding its shape using a gas permeable contact lens. The central portion of the lens fits closer to the eye than a standard contact lens - exerting a gentle pressure. The outer part of the lens surrounds the central visual zone and is farther away from the cornea allowing room for the cornea to change shape. By changing the curvature of your cornea, CRT treatment refocuses light onto your retina, resulting in clearer vision. CRT is completely reversible and non-invasive; if you stop wearing the molds your cornea will return to its original shape.

In the past, the only FDA approved corneal molding systems were worn during the day and proved to be very safe and effective. More recently, the FDA has approved the latest in corneal molding technology with an over night lens that works for the eyes in a similar way that dental retainers work for teeth. Make life without glasses or contact lenses a reality. Talk to your eye care professional today and find out if CRT is right for you.

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