Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2014 -- Family Eye Care Center, a Raleigh based Optometry practice headed by Dr. Jeffrey Handschumacher, announced today that they are now offering an innovative new non-surgical therapy to treat nearsightedness called Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT). Dr. Handschumacher and his associates help their patients by fitting them with specialty lenses that gently reshape the cornea as the patient sleeps. When the patient wakes up in the morning, he/she simply takes out the contact lenses and is able to enjoy most or all of the day with corrected vision without the discomfort or inconvenience of contact lenses or glasses.

The goal for CRT is to correct a patient's vision to 20/20 or better without eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day. In FDA trials of CRT lenses, more than 65% of patients were able to achieve 20/20 vision after wearing the reshaping lenses overnight. More than 90% were able to see 20/40 or better, which is the legal vision requirement in most states to drive without corrective lenses of any kind. When beginning CRT, many patients begin to see noticeable improvement in their vision within a few days, and reach their best vision within 10-14 days.

This kind of therapy is not an entirely new concept. While corneal reshaping therapies have been around for a number of years, the new CRT, developed by Paragon CRT and offered by Dr. Handschumacher is special in a number of important ways. “This therapy takes advantage of recent advancements in computerized corneal mapping, computerized manufacturing, and oxygen permeable contact lens materials and uses a therapeutic contact lens design that is truly unique.” reports Dr. Handschumacher. This makes the therapy offered by Family Eye Care Center the one corneal reshaping method that truly stands out. It is also the first to earn FDA approval for nighttime Corneal Refractive Therapy.

“There are no age restrictions on candidates for CRT with Paragon CRT, and it has been successfully performed on children 12 years old and younger.” stated Dr. Schumacher. CRT is frequently a good option for nearsighted individuals who are too young for LASIK surgery or for some other reason are not good candidates for vision correction surgery. Because it can be discontinued at any time without permanent change to the eye, people of any age can try the procedure, as long as their eyes are healthy.

Since many people report having difficulty with dry eyes and other problems when wearing normal gas permeable contact lenses during the day, CRT may prove to be particularly appealing to those who participate in sports, or who work in dusty, dirty environments that can make contact lens wear difficult.

For more information and for help assessing your eligibility for CRT, contact:
Dr. Handschumacher
919-981-4444