WHAT IS CRT?
CRT is a process which involves the wearing of custom-made hard (rigid) contact lenses when sleeping. The contact lens reshapes the cornea so that when the patient wakes in the morning and removes the contact lens their vision is improved. CRT provides freedom from spectacles and daytime freedom from contact lenses. CRT is non-invasive and completely reversible.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR CRT?
CRT offers a lifestyle alternative for short-sighted people who play sports, work in dusty environments, or suffer from mild dry eye with soft lens wear in air-conditioned offices or for those that simply want the freedom of no spectacle wear. Its is suitable for those having a spectacle prescription of -0.75D up to -5.00D and astigmatism of up to -1.50D.
In addition, the latest research from Asia has shown that myopia can be slowed by up to 50% by CRT, so it may be suitable for teenagers or young adults who wish to decrease the rate of myopia progression.
WHEN SHOULD THESE LENSES BE WORN?
Initially, the contact lenses are worn ever night until an imprint is established. The wearing routine required to maintain the desired effect varies between individuals but can be as little as 2 nights per week. Many CRT patients wear their lenses 3 nights a week, whereas some must wear them every night to maintain adequate vision throughout the day. It is important to realise that CRT is not a part-time option, but a lifestyle commitment.
LENS TRIAL
The lens trial is conducted so the optometrist can study the response of your corneas to the lenses, and for you to learn about comfort and handling issues before custom-made lenses are ordered. Often there is some degree of vision change during this fitting process.
Once the desired topography results are achieved the trial ends and the final lenses are ordered. This is the time to either commit or abort.
COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY MANY OF OUR PATIENTS
A: Yes, once the effect is complete you simply remove the lenses each morning and can see normally. You will also be able to see clearly with the lenses in when you wake up in the morning or the middle of the night.
A: After the first night most of the necessary correction has been achieved. Normally within a week most of the effect has taken place and you will no longer be reliant on glasses or contact lenses.
A: Yes. Research and experience show that the whole process is 100% reversible. So if you decide to stop wearing CRT for whatever reason, the eye will return to its original shape and you will see clearly with your glasses again. This makes CRT an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery.
A: CRT lenses are made of the highest oxygen permeable materials for maximum comfort and safety during overnight wear.
A: Yes, the procedure is reversible, simply stop wearing the lens and wear spectacles for several weeks.
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