Corneal Refractive Therapy FAQ

WHAT IS CORNEAL REFRACTIVE THERAPY (CRT)?

Corneal Refractive Therapy uses specifically designed retainer lenses to gently and gradually re-shape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. The CRT lenses are special rigid gas permeable lenses that are worn at night while sleeping. They are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses! The CRT lenses are comfortable and very easy to care for.

I’VE NEVER HEARD OF CRT. IS IT NEW?

Methods to re-shape the cornea have been attempted since contact lenses were first fit. The process used, also referred to as orthokeratology, would take years to complete. For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not to participate in orthokeratology. With advanced diagnostic technology used to measure the corneal shape and new materials being used for vision retainers, CRT is now a viable alternative for many nearsighted or astigmatic patients.

HOW MUCH DOES CRT COST?

Our unique program allows us to manage myopia effectively by switching between modalities to minimize myopic elongation as needed. This allows our Fremont eye doctors to recommend the right treatment without additional costs to the patient, unlike most conventional offices.

At this time the program fee is not covered by insurance. In some cases, contact lens material benefits offered by some vision insurances may be used towards the purchase of the contact lenses. Our office does offer payment options, including CareCredit. The cost of this initial process can sometimes feel expensive but in the long run it can become much cheaper than wearing glasses or regular disposable lenses and most certainly cheaper than having medical complications occur due to high myopia in the future.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE LENSES BE REPLACED?

Our Warm Springs Optometric Group eye doctors and the lens manufacturers suggest replacing the retainer lenses every year. As part of their maintenance process, we will perform a professional deep cleaning of the lenses at the six-month follow-up visit.

DO ALL EYE DOCTORS PERFORM CRT?

No. Due to the high level of customization to CRT lenses, doctors require extra training and experience to master the fitting process. We have the necessary diagnostic equipment and computer software to safely perform CRT fittings. Our Optometrists have extensive experience working with CRT lenses. We at Warm Springs Optometric Group are proud to have been performing this technique since 2002.

WHEN IT COMES TO EYES, I’M VERY CONCERNED. IS IT SAFE?

CRT is very safe and we utilize FDA approved materials. It is safe for children and adults and is an excellent alternative for children who are just first becoming nearsighted.
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WILL CRT HELP STOP MYOPIA?

In our experience, and in many of the latest studies, the progression of myopia is greatly reduced if not stopped entirely. Both our optometrists have patients fit in 2005 and 2006 who have had no myopia progression. Studies are showing a much higher incidence of myopia in the United States. The prevalence of myopia has doubled to more than 40% in the past 30 years. This affects ocular health as patients grow older. At 3.00 diopters of myopia the risk of Posterior Subcapsular Catararact (PSC) triples and the risk of Myopic Maculopathy (MM) and Retinal Detachment (RD) are nine times greater than someone without distance glasses. At 5.00 diopters of myopia the risk of PSCC is 5 times greater, a 21 times greater risk of RD and 40 times greater risk of MM. Higher myopia levels bring even higher risks. CRT Therapy keeps myopia in check, reducing these risks.