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What
is GVSS?
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| The
Gentle Vision Shaping System uses specially designed vision
retainers to gently and gradually reshape the front surface
of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness
(myopia) or astigmatism. The principle is similar to the
use of a dental retainer used by an orthodontist to realign
crooked teeth. The vision retainers are similar to contact
lenses and are only worn at night while sleeping. They
are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision
without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers
are comfortable and very easy to care for. |
| Why
think about GVSS? Why not just wear eyeglasses or contact
lenses? |
| The
main purpose of GVSS is to be free from both contact lenses
and eyeglasses during waking hours. While this is ideal
for sports enthusiasts or those who work in dusty or dirty
environments, for others GVSS offers the appeal of being
free from corrective lenses during the day. GVSS also
offers relief from the problems sometimes associated with
full time contact lens wear like drying and things getting
on or under the lenses. |
| Does
GVSS have any advantages over Laser Surgery? |
| There
are several. GVSS is less than half the cost of Excimer
Laser Surgery. It does not involve any post-operative
pain. Also, the hazy post-operative vision that can be
associated with laser surgery does not occur with GVSS.
Both eyes can easily be done at the same time with GVSS.
Also, prescription changes are easy to deal with using
GVSS. There are no strong steroid or antibiotic drugs
needed with GVSS as there are during the post-operative
period for laser surgery. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly,
GVSS is reversible. Laser surgery is not. |
| Is
everyone suitable for GVSS and can any doctor perform
it? |
The
answer to both questions is no. It does not work on every
patient and needs to be performed in a very exact and
meticulous manner. We have received special training and
have the necessary diagnostic equipment, computer software
and expertise to perform GVSS.
The procedure works best on mild to moderate amounts of
nearsightedness or astigmatism. More severe cases can
have their vision improved, but will still need some vision
correction. The procedure also does not work well on certain
shaped corneas. Also, there are several unmeasurable factors
for each patient - most notably the cornea's rigidity.
Thus the speed of GVSS varies with each patient. Generally,
but not always, less nearsighted patients respond faster
than more nearsighted ones. There are no age barriers
for GVSS. It is safe for children and adults and is an
excellent alternative for children who are just first
becoming nearsighted as GVSS will prevent any further
nearsightedness from occurring! Also, while success rates
are very high, success cannot be guaranteed due to factors
like the inability to wear the vision retainer for physiological
reasons or other systemic health problems that may reduce
wearing time. |
| What
does the GVSS procedure involve? |
A
comprehensive eye health examination is performed first.
Then, a corneal topographer is used to obtain a very precise
computerized "map" of the cornea's shape. This information
is placed into the GVSS computer software and a diagnostic
retainer is fit in the office. If at that time it is determined
that you are a good candidate for GVSS, your own vision
retainers will be ordered. It takes about two weeks for
the retainers to be made and delivered.
When you pick up your retainers, you will be instructed
on how to use and care for them. The maintenance is very
easy and involves only one bottle of solution. If the
retainers fit properly, you will wear them that first
night. Your vision should be clear with the retainers
on.
We will see you the next morning. You should come to the
office wearing your vision retainers. We will remove them
for you. Of course, should you experience any problems
while at home with your retainers, simply remove them.
Most of the visual changes occur rapidly over the first
few days. As the cornea changes shape and vision improves,
we will refit and reorder successive vision retainers
(if needed). During this interim period we will supply
you with (no-charge) contact lenses to be worn during
the day. These are usually only needed for the first few
days.
The majority of patients achieve excellent vision in only
a few days. Even after you are seeing well, we will continue
to see you a while longer to ensure your cornea is adapting
to the retainers. Most patients are done with their follow
up care in two months although some may take more or less
time. When the treatment is completed, the last retainer
used will be worn on a nightly basis. Some patients are
able to use the retainers every other night. |
| How
much does GVSS cost? |
| Depending
on which of three payment plan you choose, the total fee
for the entire GVSS program is between $1,980 and $2,280.
This includes all of the professional visits, retainer
lenses needed to achieve optimal vision, and any needed
interim soft contact lenses. Lost, broken or spare retainers
are available at a cost of $150 for each eye. |
| What
are the disadvantages of GVSS? |
| You
must be prepared to allow 4-6 visits over a two month
period. Should you stop wearing your retainers, your vision
will return to its original state. While the degree of
success is very high, it cannot be guaranteed. However,
when the corneal topography and computer software indicate
a patient will be successful, it is rare that patients
don't do well with GVSS. Rates and amount of improvement
vary from one person to the next. |
| I've
never heard of GVSS. Is it new? |
| Attempts
to re-shape the cornea have been tried since contact lenses
were first fit. The process used to be called orthokeratology.
This process would often take over a year to complete
and the results were not nearly as favorable as GVSS.
For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not
to participate in orthokeratology. With the newer diagnostic
technology used to measure the corneal shape and the newer
materials being used for vision retainers, GVSS is now
a viable alternative for many nearsighted or astigmatism
patients. |
