Ortho-Keratology (sometimes referred to as CRT or Ortho-K) are a type of rigid gas permeable contact lens with a very interesting twist on what normal contact lenses offer. In a normal RGP or soft contact lens, you place those on your eye and you can see with them on. At the end of the day, you remove the lens and you’re back to blurry until you put your glasses on. 

Ortho-K lenses differ by the method they correct your vision and the wearing schedule. Instead of wearing them during the day time, you put them in at the end of the day and sleep with them in. While asleep, they back surface of the lens puts pressure on the cornea in a specific pattern that reshapes the front surface. When the lenses are removed in the morning, patients are able to see more clearly without wearing any lenses!

With an optimal fit and correction, many patients are able to achieve 20/20 vision without wearing glasses or contacts during the day time and only wearing their ortho-k lenses at night.

These lenses are also beneficial for children who have progressive myopia. With these lenses, we can help to slow down the progression of their nearsightedness to try to prevent rapid increases in prescription. 

The entire process is reversible when patients discontinue wearing their lenses for a few weeks. Dr. Nick used to wear these lenses when he was in college and greatly enjoyed the freedom he had to not have to wear contacts during the day! Eventually he discontinued wearing them in order to prepare his eyes for LASIK instead. 

If you think you might be interested in ortho-k lenses, let our staff know when you schedule your appointment!