Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
Corneal Refractive Therapy ( CRT ) is a treatment that reshapes the eye with contact lenses during sleep so that one does need to wear glasses during the day. It is safe and reversible, and has been shown to slow down the progression of near sightedness
A Patient Testimonial
"What a life-altering experience"
I’ve been told for years that I was the perfect candidate for LASIK surgery, but the thought of something permanent with potential side effects was always too daunting for me. Thus, I’ve been wearing glasses for more than half of my life.
Then my fabulous eye doctor, Jason Chow of Carrboro Family Vision in Carrboro, NC told me about CRT. You can read all about technical details elsewhere, but basically, you wear specialized rigid contact lenses at night that change the shape of your cornea so that you lessen your need partially or altogether of having to wear glasses during the day. And it’s reversible!!
Even thought I was initially hesitant because I fear most change, the more I contemplated CRT, the more excited I got so I was signed up as one of the first patients at Carrboro Family Vision to undergo the procedure.
The first step was a special measurement of my cornea after the regular examination on April 3rd.
Dr. Chow and Dr. Anderson from Chicago then fit me with the special lenses on Friday April 24th and I wore them that night. This takes some time because it’s important to get the treatment zone as directly on the cornea in a wide an area as possible. My eyes were numbed a bit, several lenses were tried and after we decided on the right fit, I was taught how to put them in and take them out.
My follow up appointment the next morning on April 25th was similar to the first appointment. I had the lenses in and Dr. Chow checked the fit and also my vision. They slightly tweaked the lens for my left eye based on the overnight results and also took a new map of my cornea. Changes could already be detected.
Within days, my vision was clearly changing – truly remarkable. Putting in the lenses at night was a bit challenging at first, but has gotten easier. They are slightly uncomfortable for about 5 minutes, but the more lubricating drops you use, the better. I can see why you need to put them in right before bed.
I hoped that my enthusiasm conveyed my gratitude for CRT and the services. For the first time since I was 22, I was able to drive and work out without glasses. After just one night, the effects lasted until about 11am. After wearing the lenses a second full night, I did not need my glasses until about 3pm in the afternoon. By the third day, I did not need my glasses at all.
In the evenings, I did notice a bit of a halo effect, but that is normal for the adjustment period, which usually is 10 days to 2 weeks. I went back today, April 29th, and after looking at the topographical map of my eyes, the changes were amazing. I basically am not wearing glasses at all.
My next appointment is May 5th so I’ll keep you updated. Thank you Dr. Chow, Dr. Anderson and Carrboro Family Vision. You all rock!
Kristen O’Daly
More information available at the manufacturer’s web site