Ortho-K vs CRT: What’s the Difference?

The terms ortho-k and CRT both refer to techniques used by optometrists to improve (myopia) nearsightedness without the need for eye surgery. Specifically, ortho-k can reshape your cornea to correct nearsightedness, using contact lenses worn only at night. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the more general term, which covers two different FDA-approved brands. CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy) is the brand of ortho-k contact lenses from Paragon Vision Service. At Plano Eye Care Center, we use CRT for ortho-k in Plano TX because of its long track record for success. 

Plano TX Optometrists: How CRT Works While You Sleep

CRT uses special contact lenses for temporary corneal reshaping. With CRT, you wear your contact lenses at night, while sleeping, and remove them in the morning. Reshaping your corneas allows your eyes to focus better and can free you from wearing glasses or traditional contact lenses. 

The CRT lens is safe to wear all night, because it is made from gas-permeable material, which allows oxygen to flow through the contact lens to keep your eye healthy. CRT lenses can correct nearsightedness and mild to moderate astigmatism. Your CRT lenses are custom fit, for your eyes only, by your certified Plano optometrist. 

Good Candidates for CRT

Using CRT lenses to correct your vision can be ideal if you:

Are nearsighted, with or without mild to moderate astigmatism
Are too young for lasik eye surgery (and might want to have lasik surgery later in life)
Are not a good candidate for lasik eye surgery
Would prefer a temporary solution (CRT) over permanent eye surgery
Have an active lifestyle that makes wearing glasses or standard contacts difficult or impossible
Want to save money over eye surgery

How Long Does CRT Take?

It generally takes a week or two of nightly CRT contact lens wear to reshape your eye’s lens (your cornea) completely; to the proper level that allows you to see without glasses. For some patients, CRT vision correction may take longer, but you will typically notice that you can see better after just a night or two of wear. CRT causes a gentle, temporary reshaping that lasts for a day or two, so that you must continue to wear your special CRT contact lenses each night to retain your clear vision.

Our optometrist can help you determine which vision correction option might be best for your eyes and your lifestyle. To learn more about CRT contact lenses in Plano TX, contact the offices of CRT-certified optometrists, Dr. Gulrez Khoja and Dr. BJ Patel, at Plano Eye Care Center today. Make an eye appointment online or call us at 972-964-3937 today.