Vision Shaping To Keep Kids’ Eyes Fit!
You’ve probably heard the terms CRT and ortho-k, but do you fully understand what they mean? Any discussion of Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) and orthokeratology (ortho-k) must begin with a basic definition of these specialized lenses and their vision shaping process.
Ortho-k, which has been around for many years, offers an effective non-surgical way for nearsighted people to have clear vision without wearing eyeglasses or inserting daytime contact lenses. CRT lenses, made by Paragon and FDA-approved in 2002, are an advanced version of ortho-k lenses constructed from newer materials. At Wink Eyecare Boutique, Dr. Rachel Cohn is experienced in evaluating and fitting children with CRT in our modern, comfortable clinic in Potomac, MD.
How Can CRT Help Your Child’s Nearsightedness?
Myopia is an increasing problem in kids around the world. The cause behind this growing vision condition isn’t crystal-clear, yet a possible culprit is the great amount of time many kids spend indoors gazing at hand-held electronic devices. Nowadays, we diagnose a very large number of children with nearsightedness in our Potomac clinic. When kids return for follow-up eye exams, may require a new, stronger vision prescription every year.
Parents are alarmed by the rapid annual deterioration of their child’s eyesight, and kids are generally dismayed or embarrassed by the increasing thickness of their lenses! CRT can address and fix these concerns.
Many scientific studies have shown that in addition to correcting vision temporarily, CRT can slow, or possibly halt, the continued progression of myopia in kids – by as much as 90%! By flattening the corneal curvature, CRT can control the further decline of nearsightedness. As long as your child has healthy eyes and mild to moderate myopia, he may be a good candidate for ortho-k. Please contact us for more info and to schedule an eye exam and CRT fitting with Dr. Cohn.
Why Use CRT For Myopia Control In Kids NOW And Not LASIK When They're OLDER?
Laser surgeries, such as LASIK, may be an option for an adult, but any surgery always carries along a number of risks. In contrast, many studies have demonstrated that ortho-k vision shaping is safe for all ages. It is currently regarded as the ideal method for efficient myopia control in children.
Help your child look sharp and feel great! Please contact Dr. Cohn to reserve an appointment to discuss your child’s candidacy for CRT. We fit many kids with CRT lenses, and we’re waiting to see you in our Potomac office.

Children's Eyesight May Change, Less Often With Myopia Control
Because changes in your child’s vision can occur without you or your child noticing them, your child should visit the eye doctor every year or more frequently if specific problems or risk factors exist.
Myopia control attempts to reduce the number of changes that may occur in your child’s vision. With a successful myopia control program, an eye doctor can provide your child with amazing vision, track your child’s rate of myopia, and provide a clear road to healthy eyesight and a successful future.

Myopia Control Starts With You - The Parent
Your child’s eyes are his/her gateway into the world of learning. When your child’s vision is not functioning properly, learning and participation in recreational activities will suffer.
Children are not likely to recognize vision problems like myopia, and it is, therefore, the responsibility of parents and teachers to recognize signs of visual problems in their children.