Myopia - better known as nearsightedness - is a common eye-vision problem faced by people all over the world. From glasses to LASIK, a variety of approaches have been created to tackle myopia, but even now, there is no one method that is universally used as each method as its own pros and cons.

Over at WHOI, Jen Christensen writes an article on the various means available to treat myopia - from the relatively well-established LASIK eye correction procedure to the ultra-new Paragon Corneal Refractive Theraphy (CRT) system. But most of the article features the Paragon® CRT program.

Paragon CRT is fundamentally nothing more than a high tech contact lens system, where "…lenses are placed in the eyes at night and removed in the morning." But unlike LASIK or refractive surgery alternatives, CRT is not permanent, or even almost-permanent (like LASIK). CRT patients attain significant correction levels, but the contact lenses must be worn every night to retain the eye correction.

If not, your vision will return to its original state within a few days. Given that the Paragon CRT costs around $1,500, this temporary fix might seem a bit expensive, especially since the lenses will have to be replaced sooner or later. But in my opinion, CRT programs are useful for those who are unwilling to make the commitment towards full-blown eye surgery. I suppose there is far less to be worried about when you know that nothing sharp or dangerous will be going near your eye.

Generally, I prefer permanent or semi-permanent solutions like LASIK since I’m not the type that can tolerate wearing contacts every night. To me, there isn’t a difference at all between wearing contacts at night (Paragon CRT) or contacts in the morning (conventional contact lenses).

[News via WHOI]