What is Paragon CRT®?
Paragon CRT is a unique oxygen permeable therapeutic contact lens designed to temporarily correct myopia (nearsightedness and moderate levels of astigmatism) by gently reshaping the cornea during sleep. Patients remove them in the morning and go throughout the day without any other correction.

Why do you refer to Paragon CRT as Corneal Refractive Therapy, isn’t it just another name for Orthokeratology?
Paragon’s approval from the FDA for overnight corneal reshaping is for Corneal Refractive Therapy. Historically, Ortho-K involved using a series of lenses over a period of months to achieve the desired effect. Corneal Refractive Therapy with Paragon CRT is primarily a single lens therapy over a period of 5-14 days. Although corneal reshaping with contact lenses is not a new concept, previous corneal reshaping designs were only as successful as technology allowed. Paragon Vision Sciences has taken the recent advancements in computerized corneal mapping, computerized manufacturing and oxygen permeable contact lens materials and produced a therapeutic lens that is unique in its design and application. Paragon also undertook the most extensive overnight study ever attempted in this modality to demonstrate its safety and efficacy. As a result, Paragon CRT stands alone with supportive science and new technology.

How many diopters of myopia and astigmatism can be treated with Paragon CRT?
The FDA approved Paragon CRT for up to –6.00 diopters of myopia and up to –1.75 diopters of astigmatism. Generally, the easiest to fit cases are under –4.50 diopters, but myopes up to –6.00 diopters have experienced great success.

Is there any age restriction?
No. The FDA has not put an age restriction on Corneal Refractive Therapy.

Do I need to have a topographer to fit Paragon CRT?
Although a topographer is not required to fit the lens, Paragon strongly urges the use of the topography, which can improve patient management, establish baseline data, and make patient follow-up and troubleshooting easier and more efficient. In fact, Paragon exclusively recommends the Humphreys ATLAS™ and has developed software for use with this topographer. You may also wish to take advantage of the Platinum Advantage Program that offers a special leasing package combining the Atlas, software and your complete Paragon CRT system.

What do I have to do to get involved with Paragon CRT?
The FDA requires that all practitioners who wish to fit and dispense Paragon CRT be trained, tested and certified by Paragon Vision Sciences. You may become certified by logging on to the restricted practitioner section of the website, reviewing all training materials and, following the instructions provided, take the Paragon CRT certification test. You may also request a training CD-ROM from this website or by calling Paragon at 800-528-8279 x 7610.

Once you have been certified, you can purchase the Diagnostic Dispensing System that is required so that you can prescribe and dispense Paragon CRT. If you are in a practice that already has a Diagnostic Dispensing System, you need not purchase a second system. With the Diagnostic Dispensing System you will also receive a complete Practice Management Kit that contains all the tools needed to smoothly transition and market Paragon CRT within your practice.

Do I need a fitting set to fit Paragon CRT?
Yes, but the Paragon CRT Diagnostic Dispensing System is more than a fitting set. This 100 lens set allows you to dispense an estimated four out of five qualified patients on their first visit. If the first lens needs adjustments during the fitting process, the next lens is normally right in your dispensing system. This saves you chair time and patient visits, provides more immediate patient satisfaction and helps control your cost of goods. However, in order to receive the Diagnostic Dispensing System you need to be trained, tested and certified to fit Paragon CRT by Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc.

What do the Diagnostic Dispensing System and lenses cost?
See your authorized Paragon CRT Laboratory or Paragon Vision Sciences for pricing information. To find a lab click here.

What marketing support is provided for Paragon CRT?
Paragon Vision Sciences will provide you with a Practice Management Kit. This kit includes: a practice management manual and video, patient video, brochures, posters, ad slicks, examples of press releases and newsletters, and much more. Paragon’s practice management video will introduce the manual and the tools and give you tips on how you and your staff can easily and effectively introduce Paragon CRT to your patients.

If I need technical support, who do I call?
There are a few ways to get technical support. The first is to contact your Authorized Paragon CRT Laboratory. Their consultant, who has been trained and certified in Paragon CRT consultation, will be happy to assist you. You can also reach a Paragon Consultant by calling 800-528-8279, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Arizona time.