Paragon CRT Lenses
Paragon CRT lenses, are also known as called ortho-k, are used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism by wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight.
CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy) is a non-surgical option that helps correct nearsightedness without the daytime use of contacts or glasses.
CRT lenses are worn at night, and correct the curvature of the cornea while sleeping so you can see clearly during the day.
Paragon CRT lenses are inserted at bedtime and worn as you sleep. Throughout the night, the lenses reshape your cornea gently so that your vision becomes clear on the following morning.
Paragon CRT has been prescribed to over 1.5 million patients, in over 50 countries worldwide. The risk of wearing Paragon CRT contact lenses is no greater than other contact lenses.
The correction is temporary, and ideally no eyeglasses or contact lenses will be needed on the next day or two. In order to maintain sharp visual acuity on a daily basis, you may need to wear the CRT lenses every night.
Candidates for Paragon CRT
Paragon CRT lenses are very suitable for nearsighted people who are not appropriate candidates for laser vision correction surgery, such as children. Individuals of all ages with healthy eyes can try ortho-k, namely because it can be discontinued at any point without permanent effects to the eyes.
People who require vision correction and engage regularly in sports or work in extremely dusty, dirty environments will also appreciate the convenience of ortho-k.
Vision Results from Orthokeratology
Success rates for ortho-k are generally higher for more mild vision prescriptions. The ideal goal is to provide 20/20 vision without any need for eyeglasses or contacts during the day.
According to FDA trials conducted on both CRT lenses, more than 65% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/20 visual acuity.
A whopping number of more than 90% of ortho-k patients achieved 20/40 vision or better (this is the legal requirement for driving without vision correction in most states).
Consult with your eye doctor to find out if your vision prescription is within range for successful ortho-k treatment.
Note that although improvement in vision is generally reported within a day or two of wearing ortho-k overnight, the full effects may not be experienced until the lenses are worn for a few weeks. During this transition period, your vision will probably not be as crisp as it was with regular contacts or eyeglasses, and glare or halos around lights may be visible. Until ortho-k works fully, a temporary pair of eyeglasses may be required for specific actions, such as driving at night.
LASIK after Paragon CRT
Some consider Ortho-K to be a non-surgical alternative to LASIK. Nonetheless, refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are possible after treatment with ortho-k lenses. Yet because ortho-k works to reshape your cornea, you are required to stop wearing the lenses for approximately several months before undergoing LASIK. This allows your eyes to return to their original shape.
It’s important to inform your eye doctor if you’ve been wearing ortho-k lenses, and you will be advised as to how long of a wait is necessary before having the laser procedure.