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What is Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)?
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Corneal refractive therapy is a non-surgical technique that reshapes the cornea while sleeping with specialty contact lenses. You remove the lenses when you wake up and have clear vision for the whole day without contacts or glasses.
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Is CRT permanent?
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No. If you stop wearing the lenses, your original vision should return in about 48 to 72 hours.
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How long does it take to start working?
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Most patients see a dramatic improvement after the first night. Complete vision correction may take up to one week for many people.
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Can I see while wearing my CRT lenses?
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Yes, your vision with the lenses on will be the same as when you remove them in the morning.
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Is it easy to take care of the lenses?
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Definitely. The lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected after every wear. Your doctor will go over the cleaning products you will need to care for your lenses.
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Do the lenses need to be replaced periodically?
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CRT lenses can last for several years if cared for properly.
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How do I find out if I’m a candidate for CRT?
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The first step in the evaluation is a complete eye exam. The strength and type of prescription you have as well as the health of your corneas will dictate your potential candidacy. The lenses are approved to treat nearsightedness up to -6.00 diopters. Small amounts of astigmatism can be corrected as well.
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I wear reading glasses only. Can CRT correct this condition?
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CRT cannot correct farsightedness or presbyopia (weakened focusing ability for near work).
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I wear monovision contact lenses now. Can CRT produce a similar effect?
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Absolutely. Monovision corrects one nearsighted eye for distance and one for near. CRT can be fit the same way. Your doctor can tell you if you are a candidate for this modality.
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Are there risks?
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The risks associated with CRT are the same as with any contact lens wear. There is a small risk of infection; therefore contacts should never be worn if the eyes are red, irritated, or painful. Call your doctor immediately should any of these symptoms occur.
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Do the lenses hurt?
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No. Initially, most people have “lens awareness”, but no pain. After the first one to two weeks, the awareness subsides for most patients.
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Does insurance cover CRT?
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CRT is considered an elective procedure therefore there is no insurance coverage at this time. However, certain insurance plans and additional eye care plans have contact lens or material benefits which may be used toward CRT. Medical reimbursement accounts using pre-tax dollars may be used for CRT.
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My driver’s license requires me to wear corrective lenses while driving. What should I do about this?
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Your initial CRT kit will include a card for your doctor to fill out after you are successfully fit into CRT. You can bring this card to the DMV and request an eye test to have the restriction removed.
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