What is in the future of Ortho Keratology and or CRT?
is developing an alternative to LASIK — Corneaplasty, a non-surgical procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea. A three-step process using ortho-k lenses similar to CRT molds the cornea. First the cornea is made softer and more malleable with a derivative of hyaluronidase. The cornea is then molded into the desired shape with custom-fitted ortho-K contact lenses. Lastly, a cross-linking “fixative” agent sets the cornea in its optimum shape. Sandoz, a pharmacologic company, is partnering with ISTA Pharmaceuticals in the FDA clinicals. ISTA Pharmaceuticals expects approval of this non-surgical, reversible procedure within one to two years.
