Orthokeratology Specialist

What is Corneal Refractive Therapy?

Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT), or orthokeratology, is a non-surgical process using gas-permeable contact lenses to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. By wearing these specialized lenses at night, the cornea is reshaped in order to correct myopia, or nearsightedness, or prevent the progression of myopia in children. CRT is a proprietary method and fitting design to accomplish the same goal.

Does Corneal Refractive Therapy Work?

In a 2005 study, nearsighted people had their cornea measured, wore CRT lenses for four weeks, and then had the shape of their cornea re-measured. In this particular study, and in several hundred of Dr. Chang's patients since, CRT lenses significantly improved a person's vision, and improved the shape of the cornea.  In the 9-month FDA study for approval of CRT lenses, 93% of patients achieved 20/32 vision or better, and 67% had 20/20 vision or better while participating in CRT. While the effects of wearing CRT lenses are only temporary, wearing them every night can significantly improve your vision during the day.

Am I a Good Candidate for CRT?

Children or adults who are not good candidates for refractive surgery or who are too young for LASIK are great candidates for CRT. In fact, most people with mild to moderate nearsightedness are good candidates. If you have questions about whether Corneal Refractive Therapy is right for you, consult with Dr. Chang, who can give you a full evaluation and treatment plan that is right for you. CRT can be an ideal vision correction method for active children and adults whose careers or hobbies aren't conducive to wearing glasses or contact lenses.