Corneal Refractive Therapy or Orthokeratology

What is Corneal Refractive Therapy or Orthokeratology?
Corneal Refractive Therapy is the use of specially designed contact lenses to reshape the front surface of the eye to reduce or correct refractive error. The refractive errors most commonly treatable by Corneal Refractive Therapy are nearsightedness and astigmatism.

What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a condition in which the shape of the front of the eye, the cornea, is too curved; causing light that enters the eye to focus in front of the retina, instead of on the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision.

What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the shape of the cornea is flatter in one direction and steeper in another. These differences in curvature cause the light entering the eye to focus at different distances, resulting in blurred vision.

How does Corneal Refractive Therapy work?
A specially designed lens is applied to the cornea of each eye at bedtime and work while sleeping. During sleep the lens gently reshapes the surface of the eye to the proper curvature. The lens is removed the following morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the hassle of wearing glasses or contact lenses during these active hours. The cornea is highly elastic and always returns to its original shape. For this reason, the lenses are worn nightly in order to maintain the ideal corneal shape to correct vision.

What are the advantages of Corneal Refractive Therapy?
•\tProvides freedom from spectacles or contact lenses during the active daytime hours
•\tNo surgery required: is non-invasive
•\tIs less costly than refractive surgery
•\tIs reversible (laser correction is not!)
•\tCan be modified to enhance effect

What are the disadvantages of Corneal Refractive Therapy?
•\tLenses must be worn nightly to maintain proper corneal shape
•\tDoes not provide full correction on all eyes
•\tHalos around lights may occur at night for the first couple months of wearing the lenses

 

 

 

Who are the best candidates for Corneal Refractive Therapy?
•\tPatients who are nearsighted up to approximately -4.00 and astigmatic up to -1.75
•\tThose with active lifestyles (athletes, water enthusiasts, those who work in dusty areas)
•\tThose who feel burdened by the need to wear corrective lenses during the day

What is the cost of Corneal Refractive Therapy?
Service Fee: $1200 Special Introductory Discount of $500!!!!
Lens Material Fee: $332
Starter Care Kit: Free!!!
Total: $1577.00 With Discount: $832.00

Note: Due to the unique character and complexity of each eye, full correction is sometimes not possible with Corneal Refractive Therapy. However, significant improvement in visual function is almost always achievable with appropriate candidates and realistic expectations.

Device Replacements/ Spares
When your prescription is finalized a spare pair of devices may be purchased at 50% off. This is a one time offer.

Additionally we offer an annual service agreement for $28.00 which entitles you to reduced cost for replacement devices ($126.00 instead of $166.00). let us know if you’d like to take advantage of this program.

CRT Refund Policy
In the event Corneal Refractive Therapy results are unsatisfactory, you will be refunded all material fees if the devices are returned in good condition. Service fees will be prorated depending on the amount of time and effort put forth during the treatment program. Refunds are calculated by assigning a value of $298.00 for the initial examination, corneal topography, diagnostic fitting and dispensing visits and $82.00 per visit for any follow-up visits.

I understand the Corneal Refractive Program as explained by the doctor and/or staff member as well as in this handout and agree to participate in the program. I also understand Dr. Regina McCollum Sullivan will try to improve my vision as much as possible, but that full correction is sometimes not achievable. I also understand and agree to the refund policy as outlined above.

Here is a patient's account of their orthokeratology or Corneal Reshaping experience:

First Day:
"Today I went for my dispense of the Corneal Reshaping Lenses. When I first put the contact lenses on it felt a little thicker than my soft lenses but it was ok. Dr. Sullivan then evaluated the lens on my eye and showed me how to care and handle the contact lenses. The most amazing thing to me was that I could see an improvement in my vision within the first hour of wearing the contacts. Dr. Sullivan then said that I was allowed to take the lenses home and slept in the lenses overnight.

Next Day

I made it through the night without any problems. I was even able to drive myself to the office the next day with the contact lenses on. Dr. Sullivan wanted to see the contact lenses on my eye and take the lenses off herself the first day. When she took the contact lenses off, I was able to see 20/20 with out glasses or contact lenses on for the first time in 15 years. It was great!!!!!!!!!! On the first day without contact lenses the vision lasted for about 12 hours. However, I worn the lenses every night for the first couple of weeks and the 20/20 vision will last all day and well into then night. In fact,when I went out of town for three days, I did not sleep in my contact lenses for three days and my vision lasted for the entire time.

I would recommend orthokeratology to anybody that can have it done.

~ Chara XXXX Patient