We were the first office in Central Illinois to incorporate this procedure to gently reshape the cornea so that you can be free from wearing contact lenses or glasses during the day. This FDA approved procedure for the reduction of nearsightedness and astigmatism. There is no surgery involved. The CRT lenses are worn while you sleep. There are many designs similar to the CRT; however, there are not designs newer than this retainer is. Please click here to contact us for more information.

What is accelerated corneal molding?
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a non-surgical procedure in which a series or single set of custom designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses (retainers) are used to gently change the shape of the cornea. This is done in an attempt to reduce the patient’s dependence on corrective eyewear. You have probably heard about or tried similar procedures such as Ortho-K, orthokeratology, or custom corneal contouring, however, precision corneal molding provides superior results due to the design of the Corneal Refractive Therapy lens. In some ways this is a similar to the use of dental appliances (retainers and braces) by an orthodontist to straighten crooked teeth. The main difference is that if a tooth position is corrected for some months, it will stay in the position. The cornea, however, is highly elastic and always returns to its original shape. In many ways, this is a good thing. It is why this procedure is totally reversible. In other ways it means that you may have to wear the retainers many, if not most nights of the week. Retainers will be prescribed after your ideal corneal shape and maximum vision change has been achieved. The CRT lens by Paragon Vision has the FDA stamp of approval.

Is this a new procedure?
Yes and no. Many principles date back to 1962, but the technology of today makes this a more precise procedure. Computerized mapping of the shape of the cornea (front surface of the eye), better contact lens materials, as well as the computerized design and lathing of the retainers, help to make this a much better procedure than ever before.

Why haven’t I heard of this before?
Again the answer to the question lies in the computerization factor. We have known for a long time that the shape of the front of the eye can be safely changed with the use of rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Only since the advent of computer driven contact lens lathes (machines used to make the retainers), and computerized instruments (that measure the shape of the front of the eye) has this become a predictable procedure. These recent changes have now made this a procedure Dr. Funk feels is an appropriate and available choice for his patients.

Can every doctor perform this procedure?
|No. Dr. Funk has spent many hours of researching and reading studies and articles on the procedure and was trained by the doctors at the National Eye Research Foundation in this procedure. Dr. Funk is also certified to fit CRT lenses by Paragon Vision Sciences. Dr. Funk has been published in optometric literature. These are all-important factors due to the high complexity of the design of the retainers used. Dr. Funk will prescribe the lens design best suited for your needs. DR. FUNK IS ONE OF THE ONLY EYE DOCTORS IN THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS AREA PERFORMING THIS TECHNIQUE.

Does Accelerated Corneal Molding have any advantages over laser vision correction?
Yes, many. Vision shaping with CRT is ½ to 1/3 or less of the price of laser vision correction. Vision shaping with CRT does not involve any of the post-op pain that laser procedures sometimes do. Vision shaping with CRT does not cause any haziness in vision that sometimes occurs following laser vision correction. And best, but certainly not least, vision shaping is totally REVERSIBLE.

Does Corneal Refractive Therapy work for everyone?
No. The procedure works best for patients with low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism. Larger amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism may be lessened greatly but not fully corrected. Also the procedure doesn’t work well on certain shaped corneas. Also some corneas don’t have the same ability to change as others and this will decrease the chances of CRT working. Although currently there are no proven procedures available for the reduction of farsightedness and the use of bifocals, there are currently lens designs under investigation to do so. Dr. Funk will be able to tell more about your chances of success after a thorough evaluation.

If I still have to wear contacts, then why should I have Corneal Refractive Therapy done? The main purpose of vision shaping (CRT) is to free you of the hassle of contact lenses during waking hours. This is especially convenient for people who work in dusty environments, people who hate wearing glasses but are not allowed to wear contact lenses to work, people who enjoy swimming or water sports, or people who are very sports oriented and their glasses always seem to get in the way. Computer users that have trouble with their contacts drying out may also benefit. Some people with very high prescriptions even elect to have the procedure done to improve their uncorrected vision to a level that they can function without glasses, although they do not obtain perfect vision.

How fast do the vision changes occur? This is variable. Most patients can appreciate functional vision as quickly as two days to two weeks, but sometimes it takes longer to achieve this response. It depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the amount of prescription we are trying to correct, the shape of our cornea, the rigidity of your cornea, how well you follow instructions, the tightness of your eyelids and the position of your eyes in their sockets. Dr. Funk will take great strides to help design and prescribe a lens that is best suited for you.

Is Corneal Refractive Therapy safe?
Yes. It does not leave scarring s produced by surgical radial keratotomy; nor does it leave “haze” as sometimes left by excimer laser. Corneal Refractive Therapy is also totally reversible, while surgical procedures are not.

Can children have Corneal Refractive Therapy done?
Absolutely. Many children have had this procedure performed with great success. Children appreciate the added cosmetics of not needing glasses. Parents enjoy not having to worry about broken frames! As an added bonus, CRT has been shown to retard the progression of nearsightedness and other refractive errors. Although the results are not 100%, it has been shown to have a high success rate. Soft contacts or glasses have not shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness. 

How do I see while my vision is being re-shaped?
If during the procedure you are at a stage that you are not at your level of functional vision but your old prescription no longer works for you, Dr. Funk may prescribe disposable lenses for you to get you through the day. Hopefully, this will only be for a short period of time. 

Are there any guarantees?
No, but after a thorough evaluation and the use of computerized corneal mapping with the Keratron, as well as the use of a trial shaper on your eye, it is rare that the procedure doesn’t give favorable results. Dr. Funk will be able to tell if you are a good candidate. 

Advantages
Corneal Refractive Therapy is not only an excellent alternative to the wearing of spectacles, but it also frees you from the distractions caused by perspiration, dust, smoke, wind, weather, and temperature. There are no longer blind spots in your vision caused by eyeglass frames or lens edges. Imagine wearing fashion sunglasses, getting up in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning and being able to see. It is great to go swimming, skiing, or boating and not have to worry about your contact lenses. The procedure is recommended for all athletes in order to reduce the need for eyeglasses. It also makes it much easier to garden, work around dust, or in the factory by reducing the risk of getting something under your contact lens. Corneal Refractive Therapy may be just the answer you are looking for at 1/3 to ½ the cost of laser surgery.

Disadvantages:
You will need to allow for between six and eight visits over approximately a three to six month period. You must wear your retainers or the cornea will return to its original shape (remember this is also what makes this a reversible procedure). The degree of success is high but cannot be guaranteed. The speed in which your vision improves as well as the amount of improvement you get is variable. You must be prepared to follow the instructions implicitly for the best results. 

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you need to help make your decision and check with Dr. Funk to see if you are a candidate for Corneal Refractive Therapy.