ESP (Envision Sports Performance Lens): Non-Surgical Vision Correction
Envision Sports Performance (ESP), Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), Corneal Reshaping, Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
ESP is an alternative to laser vision correction in patients who wish to be independent of their daytime glasses and contact lenses. Also referred to as Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) and Corneal Reshaping, this technology provides freedom from glasses and contacts all day without the need for surgical intervention.
ESP utilizes specially designed therapeutic contact lenses that gently and temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep. Due to their high oxygen permeability, these contact lenses have been proven to be safe and effective for patients of all ages, including children. ESP is a non-invasive, non-surgical process to reshape the cornea while sleeping.
ESP has also been shown to significantly slow the rate of progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Myopia is a condition caused by an elongation of the eyeball, or a steepening of the curvature of the cornea. Myopia is one of the most common eye disorders in the world, and the incidence and prevalence of myopia is increasing. By therapeutically flattening the cornea overnight, Ortho-K has been proven by numerous clinical studies (COOKI, CRAYON, SMART studies) to reduce the progression of myopia in children. I recommend children with fast progressing nearsightedness wear these lenses in an attempt to reduce myopia progression.
The effects of ESP are reversible, unlike laser surgery. With cessation of lens wear, the cornea returns to its original shape. The risks associated with ESP are comparable to any type of contact lens wear. Proper lens care and hygiene are imperative in order to avoid any serious adverse events associated with ESP.
Our doctor has extensive training and experience with ESP, beyond what is required for certification. Using corneal mapping equipment, he performs a thorough fitting process for the ESP lenses. Each lens is designed to uniquely fit the eyes of each patient. ESP is a treatment often only briefly mentioned during an eye doctor’s education. Due to its complexity, only a select few eye doctors pursue a level of training to perform non-surgical vision correction.
