What is CRT and How Does It Work?

Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a revolutionary vision correction technique that utilizes specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. Unlike traditional corrective lenses that simply correct vision, CRT lenses work to actively mold the cornea, allowing you to achieve clear, natural vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

What are CRT Lenses?

CRT lenses are specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses are made of a rigid, breathable material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, ensuring the health and comfort of your eyes while you sleep.
 

The unique design of CRT lenses includes a central flatter area and a peripheral steeper area. When you wear these lenses, the peripheral steeper area applies gentle pressure to the cornea, causing it to temporarily flatten and change shape. This reshaping process corrects the refractive errors in your eyes, allowing you to enjoy clear, natural vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

How do CRT Lenses Work?

The process of vision correction with CRT lenses is a gradual one, as the cornea must be reshaped over time to achieve the desired results. Here's how it works:
 

•        Overnight Wear: You will wear the CRT lenses while you sleep, typically for 6-8 hours per night. During this time, the lenses gently mold the shape of your cornea.

•        Corneal Reshaping: The peripheral steeper area of the CRT lenses applies gentle pressure to the cornea, causing it to temporarily flatten and change shape. This reshaping process corrects the refractive errors in your eyes.

•        Daytime Vision: After removing the CRT lenses in the morning, your cornea will maintain its new, reshaped form throughout the day, providing you with clear, natural vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

•        Maintenance: To maintain the corrected vision, you will need to continue wearing the CRT lenses on a regular basis, typically every night. The cornea will gradually return to its original shape if you stop wearing the lenses.
 

What Vision Issues Can CRT Lenses Address?

CRT lenses can effectively correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, allowing you to enjoy clear distance vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. CRT lenses can also be used to correct mild to moderate farsightedness, enabling you to see clearly at both near and far distances. Additionally, CRT lenses can address astigmatism, a common refractive error caused by an irregular corneal shape, providing you with sharper, more focused vision.
 

The Benefits of CRT Lenses

Choosing CRT lenses can offer a range of benefits, including:
 

•        Freedom from Glasses and Daytime Contact Lenses: With CRT, you can enjoy clear, natural vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses.

•        Improved Comfort: CRT lenses are designed to be comfortable and breathable, allowing oxygen to pass through to your cornea while you sleep.

•        Reversible Correction: The vision correction provided by CRT lenses is temporary and reversible, meaning that your vision will gradually return to its original state once you stop wearing the lenses.

•        Reduced Risk of Complications: CRT lenses are designed to be worn overnight, which can help reduce the risk of complications associated with daytime contact lens wear, such as eye infections or irritation.

•        Potential Slowing of Myopia Progression: Some studies suggest that CRT lenses may help slow the progression of myopia, especially in children and young adults.
 

Is CRT Right for You?

Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a revolutionary vision correction solution that can provide you with the freedom and convenience of clear, natural vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. By gently reshaping your corneas overnight, CRT lenses can effectively address a range of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
 

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of CRT and determining if it's the right solution for your vision needs, schedule a consultation with Pinnacle Eye Group of Lambertville. Our team will work closely with you to evaluate your vision, select the appropriate CRT lenses, and guide you through the fitting and adjustment process to ensure that you achieve the best possible results.
 

Take the first step towards clear, natural vision without the hassle of glasses or daytime contact lenses. Schedule your CRT consultation with Pinnacle Eye Group of Lambertville today. Visit our office in Lambertville, Michigan, or call (734) 562-0099 to book an appointment.