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.

There are several. GVSS is less than half the cost of Laser Vision Correction 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.

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 immeasurable 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 studies have shown that 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 systemic health problems that may reduce wearing time.

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 may wear them that first night. You should see well with the retainers on.

We will see the first morning after you wear your retainers. 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) soft disposable contact lenses to be worn during the day. These are usually only needed for the first few days. For most patients, only one pair of retainers is needed.

The majority of patients achieve excellent vision in only a few days - many after only one night of wear. 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 about one month 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.

You must be prepared to allow 3 - 5 visits over a one month period. Should you stop wearing your retainers, your vision will slowly return to its’ original state. (Note: A new procedure called 'Corneoplasty' is currently being studied. This procedure would make the effects of GVSS permanent!) 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.

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.

By now, you've probably heard about single use daily disposable contact lenses. These are lenses you put on in the morning, take off at night and throw away.

The next generation of single use lenses was recently approved by the FDA. These lenses are 30 Day, continuous wear, single use lenses.

This means that each pair of lenses can be worn continuously (including while you sleep) for 30 days without removal.

These lenses have been used in Canada and Australia and the clinical studies we've read so far have reported excellent results. While 30 day overnight lenses are certainly not new, (there were health concerns with the first generation materials used in the 80's), these new lenses provide excellent vision, comfort and eye health. That's because they allow about SIX times more oxygen to reach the eye than older types of lenses.

These lenses can be a great alternative for our contact lens patients and for those considering Laser Vision Correction.

If you wanted to keep water in a sink, you’d cover the drain. Simple and effective. That’s exactly what we do with Tear Savers, except the “sink” is your eye - actually tiny openings in the eyelids called the puncta, that drain moisture (tears) from the eye into the drainage canal.

This drainage is normal, and in most people a constant balance between tear production, evaporation, and drainage keeps the eyes and eyelids comfortably lubricated.

Tear Savers may be used when an imbalance in this system causes a persistent, uncomfortable dry eye condition. Common symptoms of dry eyes are redness, irritation, burning, itching, watering and often tired eyes.

Applying Tear Savers is a two step procedure. First, we use a dissolvable Tear Saver made of collagen. The collagen will dissolve in about four to seven days. During this time, we’ll have you complete a symptoms checklist. We expect that initially you should notice a decrease in your symptoms and then, as the Tear Saver dissolves, your symptoms should return. If this is the case, as it usually is, we would then use a non-dissolvable (but removable) Tear Saver.

Non-dissolvable Tear Savers are made of soft, flexible silicone rubber, similar to the material used to make contact lenses. And it’s tiny - so small that most patients don’t even remember it’s there. We can easily remove a Tear Saver at any time, but this is seldom necessary.

The placement of a Tear Saver is simple, quick and painless. It is done in the office and no anesthesia is necessary. Tear Savers do not affect your vision so you can drive yourself home from your Tear Saver office visit.

Most people begin to feel relief within the first day of using Tear Savers although for others it may take longer.

Using Tear Savers with contact lenses or after Laser Vision Correction is very common and not a problem. In fact, after using Tear Savers, many contact lens wearers report increased comfort and the ability to wear their lenses longer.

You may still need to use lubricating eye drops after Tear Savers but if you do, they should be more effective than without the Tear Savers.

Since dry eyes are considered a medical condition and not a vision problem, many insurance companies may reimburse you for a portion of the fees.

Please use this service for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Phone 859-586-3937 and press 2 for emergencies. The doctor will be paged and return your call promptly.

While we fit most contact lens patients the same day and have a free emergency loaner lens program, we won't rush through your contact lens fitting. We feel the same way about eyeglasses.

We're so confident you'll be happy with them that we feature free lifetime adjustments and no charge re-examinations if your prescription is difficult to adjust to.