October 8, 2004

Good grades begin with good vision;
Good vision begins with Paragon CRT

By Norma J. Levingston, O.D.
Special to the Times

Good vision is vital in helping children and teens perform their best during the school year. It is often during the “back-to-school” eye exam that the common vision problem of myopia, or nearsightedness, is discovered, requiring corrective eyewear to see clearly. And this is when the hassles of wearing daytime contact lenses or eyeglasses begin, for both parents and students.

Correct nearsightedness while you sleep
Since the approval of Paragon CRT therapeutic lenses for overnight wear more than two years ago, thousands of students are enjoying great vision, free of eyeglasses or daytime contacts.

Paragon CRT lenses gently and temporarily reshape your corneas as you sleep to correct nearsightedness, with or without mild to moderate astigmatism. When you awake and remove the lenses, the result is clear, crisp vision. And since you can see clearly with your lenses on, as well as off, you can enjoy good vision 24 hours a day.

Safe, effective and FDA-approved
Paragon CRT is the first corneal reshaping lens to earn FDA approval for nighttime wear for all ages, in part because of its excellent safety record and outstanding results. Paragon CRT therapeutic lenses are made of unique material that is highly oxygen-permeable.

For you and your student, this means a safe, comfortable and healthy vision-correction option. And because the lenses are worn at home, parents can supervise the care and handling of lenses and their child’s wearing schedule.

Because Paragon CRT offers freedom from eyeglasses and the hassle of wearing contact lenses during the day, this leading-edge technology can enhance busy, active lifestyles. Students can freely participate in school and sporting activities without the interference of eyeglasses or the bother of contacts. Paragon CRT eliminates the eye irritation or dryness sometimes associated with contact lens wear due to dust and pollutants.

The experience of waking up to great vision and seeing clearly all day without depending on daytime contacts and eyeglasses may seem like a miracle to you. Thanks to the development of space age, oxygen-breathing materials—the science behind the Paragon CRT lens—you now have a safe, comfortable alternative to improving vision while you sleep.

Answers about Paragon CRT
Is Corneal Refractive Therapy permanent? No, it is temporary. If you stop wearing the lenses regularly while you sleep, your vision will return to its original state in as little as 72 hours.

Can everyone wear Paragon CRT? No, this lens is designed for individuals with low to moderate myopia (nearsightedness up to -6.00 diopters) with or without astigmatism (up to -1.75 diopters).

How long does it take to reach good vision?
Most patients have rapid improvements in the first few days of treatment and achieve nearly their optimum vision in 10 to 14 days.

How do I find out more?
The staff at Evergreen Valley Optometry is always happy to answer any questions you may have. You may also visit the Web at: www.paragoncrt.com.

Levingston, a past president of the National Optometric Association, has practiced in the Evergreen area of San Jose since 1982. She is available for questions or consultation at Evergreen Valley Optometry; 3257 South White Rd. (at Aborn); San Jose, CA 95148; (408) 238-9696; e-mail: eyedoc1@direcway.com.