A Guide to Corneal Refractive Therapy

corneal refractive therapy

What You Need to Know

Our eyes are so essential in everything that we do. Which is why we must have a basic understanding of eye anatomy and function. When we suffer from vision problems, it just makes life so difficult. The issue is that most treatments for ocular problems aren’t really treatments, but more like band-aids that temporarily work until you need a stronger prescription. This continues as a constant cycle that never ends. In recent years, the new procedure of corneal refractive therapy has emerged. Not only is non-surgical, it’s something you can do to actually correct your vision. This short guide will explain the procedure so you can see if it is right for you.

What is Corneal Refractive Therapy

It’s quite a mouthful to say, but corneal refractive therapy is the latest in corneal reshaping. To the average person, they might sound a lot like wearing contact lenses, but they are so much more than that. They are target designed lenses that a fit specifically for you. Your eye doctor begins by taking an image of your eye. From here, they find the best lenses for you to work towards correcting vision problems.

What Conditions Does it Treat

Most commonly, corneal refractive therapy it is used to treat myopia and is especially effective in solving the condition in children. It can also be used to solve refractive errors like astigmatism hyperopia and myopia. Most people are able to achieve 20/20 vision through this procedure.

Even if you suffer from extremely poor vision, you will be able to achieve at least 20/40 vision which is the normal standard limit for legally driving without glasses.

How Exactly Does It Work

This is the best part. Your doctor will match with the right pair of lenses. Sometimes it can take a series of up to three lenses to get your vision perfect, but what makes them so exciting is that unlike contact lenses that you wear during the day and must ensure that you take out at night unless you want to suffer some serious redness and itchiness the next day, all you have to do is put them in right before you go to sleep. You don’t even notice they are there and you begin to see results in no time at all.

What About Costs?

The average cost of corneal refractive therapy is between $800 and $1500 dollars for both eyes depending on the course of treatment necessary. At Eyelux the price is about $1495, which also includes any additional lenses you may need as you find the perfect pair.

Most health insurance plans do cover a percentage of the treatment as well so you can really minimize your out of pocket cost. Check with your insurance policy and see if you are covered because over time it can save you money from not having to constantly switch contact lenses or glasses.

Correction Without Surgery

Corneal refractive therapy works to reshape your eyes over time so that eventually you will not need to rely on the lenses. It’s non-invasive, quick, simple and affordable. Best of all, should you decide to undergo a procedure like LASIK vision surgery, you still can. So consult with your eye doctor today and see if this breakthrough therapy is the right move for you.

Schedule an Appointment