The Gentle Vision Shaping System™
“What is GVSS™?”
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.
Additionally, ongoing research is showing that for most patients, the progression of nearsightedness can be stopped or significantly slowed down by using GVSS™ retainers. This makes it a great alternative for children, particularly those with nearsighted parents. Neither eyeglasses nor conventional contact lenses have been shown to have as strong a tendency towards controlling myopia as GVSS™.
“Does GVSS™ have any advantages over Laser Surgery?”
There are several. GVSS™ is less than half the cost of Refractive Laser Surgery (LASIK). 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.
“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 one week 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 supply you with (no-charge) any needed contact lenses to be worn during these 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 one month although some may take more or less time. When the treatment is completed, the retainer will continue to be used on a nightly basis. Some patients are able to use the retainers every other night.
"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 incalculable 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, because as mentioned above, GVSS™ can 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.
"How much does GVSS™ cost?"
The fee for the entire GVSS™ program is $1,980.00. 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 $200 each.
"What are the disadvantages of GVSS™?"
You must be prepared to allow 3-4 visits over about a one 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 clinical- scientific name for GVSS™ is orthokeratology. When orthokeratology was first attempted in the 1960's, it would often take over a year to complete and the results were not nearly as favorable as VSS™. For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not to participate in conventional 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.
Gentle Vision Shaping System™ (GVSS™) Agreement
We anticipate a period of active care of about one month. The actual time of treatment is based on your ability to adapt to your vision retaining contact lenses and the flexibility of your cornea. Missing appointments interferes with your progress and will prolong treatment time. Following the period of active corrective changes, vision retaining contact lenses will be worn to ensure stability.
GVSS™ is charged as a total comprehensive fee. The fee is not dependent on the exact number of visits or vision retaining lenses used. Appointments will be made as often as necessary to accomplish our mutual goals of improving your vision. Lost, damaged or spare vision retaining lenses will be replaced for a charge of $200 each. It takes about one week to replace a retainer.
If circumstances beyond your or our control prevent you from continuing or completing your treatment, there are certain fees that cannot be refunded. Each case will be determined individually based on the amount of office time and vision retaining lenses used up to that point. If the fee due exceeds the total of payments made, it is understood that you are responsible to pay the difference even though treatment has been discontinued. If the payments made exceed the fee for services, you will receive the appropriate refund.
The fee for the Vision Shaping System™ is $1,980.00.
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