Gentle Vision Shaping System
The Gentle Vision Shaping System™ (GVSS™)
“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 align 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 debris getting under the lenses.
Additionally, ongoing research is showing that for many 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 about half the cost of Refractive Laser Surgery (LASIK). It does not involve any post-operative discomfort. GVSS™ is very suitable for children and adults whose eyes are still changing, while LASIK is done only on adults with stable prescriptions. Both eyes can easily be treated 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 a candidate 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 additional 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™ correction 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™ may 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 general 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 custom designed. At that time, if 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. Proper care of the retainers is very important for continued comfort and good vision. 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 monitor your eyes to ensure your cornea is adapting to the retainers. Most patients complete 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. Eventually some patients are able to use the retainers every other night.
“Are there age restrictions for Gentle Vision Shaping?”
No, there are no age restrictions. The Gentle Vision Shaping System™ has been successful in children as young as 6 years old. It is great alternative for active children and teens, especially those involved in sports and activities where glasses may get in the way.
Those who are older are also candidates for GVSS™. Patients who require bifocals or reading glasses can have the distance vision corrected with Gentle Vision Shaping and wear reading glasses for near work. The doctor may also recommend a monovision correction, with one eye focused for distance and the other eye corrected for near vision.
“How much does GVSS™ cost?”
Depending on which payment plan you choose, the fee for the entire GVSS™ program is between $1,494 and $1,660. 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 $171 each.
“Does my insurance cover the Gentle Vision Shaping System™?”
This is an elective treatment and is not usually covered by insurance or vision benefit programs. Flex spend accounts can be used, if available. If contact lenses are covered under your vision plan, that benefit may be applied towards GVSS™.
“What are the disadvantages of GVSS™?”
You must be prepared to allow 3-4 visits over about 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™. The amount of improvement and length of time to improve vary from one person to the next.
“Are there any risks associated with GVSS™?”
All contact lenses are medical devices and all are associated with risk of injury or infection. GVSS™ retainers are no exception. The GVSS™ lens material is FDA approved for overnight wear and has been shown to be quite safe when fit and worn according to instructions. There have been isolated reports of superficial injury and of infections when wearing overnight vision retainers. These have been rare occurrences. GVSS™ is considered to be safe and effective.
“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 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 GVSS™. 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.
“Can I see with my Vision Retainers in?”
Yes. Vision is good with the retainers on your eyes. If you have to get up in the middle of the night, your vision will be satisfactory.
“What happens if I lose a retainer?”
Vision will start to blur after a night or two of not wearing the retainers. Your previous glasses and contacts may not help. Having a spare pair of retainers available is highly recommended for any contact lens wearer, but is particularly important for GVSS™ patients.
“Are the changes in my vision reversible?”
Yes, unlike laser vision correction, the Gentle Vision Shaping System™ effect is temporary. If you stop wearing the retainers your vision will return to your previous level, usually within a week.
“How long does it take to reach good vision?”
Most patients have rapid improvement of vision in the first few nights of treatment and achieve optimum results within 10-14 days.
“Is Gentle Vision Shaping painful?”
No, it is not painful. You will have a slight awareness of the lens at first, but you will not feel it while sleeping.
“I stopped wearing contact lenses due to discomfort. Am I a candidate for the Gentle Vision Shaping System™?”
Retainers are worn only while sleeping. This greatly reduces any discomfort normally associated with wearing contact lenses during the day.
