Clear Vision Without Surgery: The Benefits of Corneal Refractive Therapy

Are you tired of using glasses or contact lenses for sight correction? Or are you afraid of having surgery to improve your vision? Millions of people all over the world are facing the same problem and looking for a more convenient alternative. This is where Corneal Refractive Therapy, also known as Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), is used.

A study on Orthokeratology suggests that the treatment of 260 eyes across patients aged 9 to 59 confirmed the effectiveness of orthokeratology in correcting myopia. It showed that 99% of patients achieved better than 20/40 vision, and 85% reached 20/20. Only 1.4% of patients did not respond to the treatment.

Orthokeratology, also called corneal refractive therapy (CRT), is a non-surgical way to improve your eyesight. You wear special lenses while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the surface of your eye. When you wake up, you can see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses, daytime contacts, or surgery.

So, how do you make sure you get the best results from CRT?

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Orthokeratology—how it works, who it is for, and the benefits it offers.

Let us begin.

What Is Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)?

Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a non-invasive therapy in which you need to wear refractive lenses overnight. These lenses are designed according to your corneal topography. When you wear these lenses while sleeping, they mold your corneal shape gently.

In the daytime, when light passes through your cornea, it makes a clear image. This widely used treatment is the best alternative for those who want to eliminate the use of glasses and lenses or avoid any surgical treatment.

How CRT Lenses Work

CRT lenses are made for overnight use and offer a temporary vision correction. You need to wear them every night because their effects last through the day but gradually fade by evening. Putting them on before bed ensures you wake up with clear vision each morning. To maintain the benefits, continue using them nightly. Let’s see how these lenses work.

• Each night, you wear custom-fitted corneal refractive therapy lenses as you go to bed.
• These lenses put gentle pressure on your corneal upper surface and reshape it according to need.
• When you wake up the next day, light enters your corneal layer and is refracted directly at your retina as we know that corneal shapes deteriorate both in farsightedness and nearsightedness. So light falls behind or ahead of the retina, which is responsible for a blurred image.
• In this way, light makes a clear image in your eyes. That’s how orthokeratology works.

Who Can Benefit from CRT? 

CRT is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:

• Adults with mild to moderate myopia or astigmatism: It is a practical option for those who are not comfortable with surgery or traditional contact lenses.
• Children experiencing myopia progression: CRT can slow the advancement of nearsightedness in children.
• Athletes and professionals: CRT is ideal for people who engage in sports or work in environments where glasses and contacts can be a hindrance.
• Individuals with dry eyes or LASIK ineligibility: CRT is a comfortable alternative for those who cannot undergo laser vision correction.

CRT vs LASIK vs Glasses

When it comes to vision correction, each method has its own strengths. CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy) is a non-surgical, reversible option that works overnight, while LASIK is a permanent laser procedure. Glasses, on the other hand, offer a simple, external solution with no medical intervention. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key differences:

Feature	CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy)	LASIK	Glasses
Surgical Procedure	No	Yes (laser surgery)	No
Reversibility	Yes. The cornea returns to its normal shape	No. Permanent change to the cornea	Yes. Simply remove when not needed
Suitability for Children	Yes. Often used for pediatric myopia	No, not recommended for minors	Yes
Visual Freedom	Yes. No need for glasses during the day	Yes	No. Must be worn for correction
Risk Level	Low. Non-invasive	Moderate. Surgical risks involved	Low
Flexibility with Changes	High. Good for changing prescriptions	Low. Fixed correction	High lenses can be updated

Long-Term Benefits of CRT for Children and Teens

CRT has a wide use in myopia control in children and teenagers. Nearsightedness or myopia is the most common eye problem in children in their early years. This progresses with time and increases the risk of other eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

CRT is effective in slowing the progression of myopia. By wearing these lenses, you can help prevent your cornea from continuing to change shape rapidly.

Over time, especially as you approach the ages of 20 to 24, the cornea tends to stabilise naturally. This means myopia progression usually slows down, and CRT helps manage your vision until that point.

A review from the NCBI reported that CRT lenses reduced myopia progression in children by 33% to 56%. Moreover, they lower the risk of severe vision problems later on.

Corneal Refractive Therapy Pros and Cons

Like any vision correction method, Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) has benefits and limitations.

Here’s a quick look at what makes CRT a compelling option and what you should consider before starting.

Pros:

• Non-invasive and completely reversible
• Helps slow down myopia in children
• Provides a clear vision without daytime lenses or glasses
• Perfect for active individuals and sports enthusiasts

Cons:

• Requires consistent nightly use
• Initial lens fitting and adaptation can take time
• Higher upfront cost compared to traditional eyewear
• There is a minor risk of eye infection if hygiene protocols are not followed

What is the Corneal Refractive Therapy Cost?

The corneal refractive therapy price depends on several factors, including your provider, location, and lens type. Typically, the initial treatment costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per eye. This amount usually includes:

• A detailed eye exam
• Corneal mapping
• Custom lens design and fitting
• Follow-up visits to fine-tune the results

While the upfront cost may be higher than standard eyewear, CRT can be more cost-efficient over time. Some insurance plans may partially cover the expense, particularly when prescribed for childhood myopia control. It’s recommended to speak with your eye care provider for personalized pricing and available payment options.

Final Thoughts

We have discussed that Corneal Refractive Therapy, or orthokeratology, is a safe and effective option for those who want clearer vision without glasses, daytime contacts, or surgery.
Corneal Refractive Therapy, or orthokeratology, is a proper eye treatment for those with eye problems who do not want to use glasses, lenses, or any other therapy. It is a noninvasive treatment that showcases maximum results. It reshapes the corneal surface and lets light fall on the retina to make a clear image.

It is also suitable for teenagers who suffer from myopia and love to enjoy games like swimming, basketball, or other sports, but cannot use glasses or lenses.

All in all, CRT is the best option for seeing clearly without using glasses, contact lenses, or other invasive treatments.