What is GVSS?
The Gentle Vision Shaping System uses specially designed vision retainer lenses 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 usually worn while sleeping. They are removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers are comfortable and very easy to care for.
Is GVSS new?
Attempts to reshape the cornea have been tried since contact lenses were first fit. The process, referred to as orthokeratology, would take years 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. Now with technological advancements with the diagnostic equipment used to measure the corneal shape and the materials being used to make the vision retainers, GVSS is now a viable alternative for many nearsighted or astigmatism patients.
How much does your GVSS program cost?
The program is set up into different levels. The level we chose depends on the curvature of the shape of the eye, the complexity of the prescription, and the degree of myopia to be corrected. The entire GVSS program includes all of the professional visits for one year and one set of retainer lenses.
Do I have to pay this every year?
No, There is no program fee after the initial 2 year program is completed. However, you will need to continue to have annual eye examinations and maintenance checkups. The office visits can be paid for at the time of service or through our yearly maintenance plan which covers all of your visits during the 1 year time period.
The GVSS maintenance plan that we offer is a yearly plan and includes all of the necessary checkups and testing for 1 full year, as well as free shipping on any lenses ordered during that time.
Does health or vision insurance cover this program?
No, Health insurance carriers consider (GVSS) vision improvement to be cosmetic and therefore does not cover this procedure.
Do all eye doctors perform GVSS?
No, GVSS needs to be performed in a very exact and meticulous manner due to the fact that it only works on qualifying patients. Drs. Despotidis, Lee and Tannen have performed this technique for over a decade and have extensive experience. We use the most up to date diagnostic equipment and computer software to perform GVSS.
Does GVSS work on all prescriptions?
The procedure works best on mild to moderate amount of nearsightedness or astigmatism. More severe cases can have their vision improved, but will still need some vision correction. The speed at which treatment occurs varies with each patient.
Is GVSS safe?
GVSS is very safe and we utilize FDA approved materials. It is safe for children and adults and is an excellent alternative for children who are just first becoming nearsighted.
Does GVSS help stop my child’s eyes from getting worse?
Rigid gas permeable lenses, the same used with GVSS, have been shown to slow the rate of progression of nearsightedness when compared to children wearing eyeglasses. More studies are needed to confirm this and the exact mechanism by which this happens, but in our opinion children with rapidly progressive nearsightedness should wear these lenses in an attempt to reduce myopia progression.
Can adults benefit from GVSS lenses?
The answer is, it depends. When we started fitting GVSS lenses within our office over 13 years ago, most of our patients were adults. Laser surgery was not available in the US at the time. GVSS technology was the only way to help patients that did not want to depend on their eyeglasses for everyday activities.
Adults over 40 years of age pose a unique challenge when wearing GVSS lenses. They often need reading glasses or bifocals in addition to their regular eyeglasses. This is due to the natural aging process which sometimes decreases the eye’s ability to focus.
GVSS, just like LASIK eye surgery, cannot correct both distance and nearsightedness. However, for patients that do not do a significant amount of close work, this technology is convenient and non-surgical. Many adults within our program are CEO’s, bankers, health care providers, home providers, etc. This works well because their close work demands are limited. Computer scientists, researchers, accountants and engineers are usually poor candidates for this technology.
Lens & Solution Info
How to Disinfect Your Lenses
- First, discard any left over solution in the case. Clean the case with water; allow case to air dry when not used. To avoid mixing the lenses, always clean one lens at a time.
- To clean your lenses if it falls on the floor or counter etc., place one lens in the palm of your hand and fill with Simplus.
- Place your finger inside the lens and rub around your palm in circular motions for 30 seconds. That is how to clean the “outside” of the lens.
- To clean the “inside”, take the same finger and rub it along the “inside” of the lens. Move your finger along the inside of the lens for 30 seconds.
- Place the disinfected lens into case and completely cover it with Simplus Solution. Securely close the case and repeat steps 1-3 with your other lens.
How to Clean Your Plunger
- Rinse plunger with Boston Simplus solution after use or if dropped on the floor or counter.
- Let the plunger air dry and put back in case suction side up.
Solutions recommended: Boston Simplus, Boston Rewetting, or Clear Care
Lubrication Drops recommended:
Lubrication Drops are used before GVSS retainer lenses are placed in the eyes at night and before they are removed in the morning.
- Systane Ultra, made by Alcon, is another popular and easily obtained lubricating drop. It is available at most Target, Wal-Mart, drug stores and supermarkets.
- Refresh Optive, also made by Allergan, is a thicker drop that makes your lenses more comfortable when you put them in at night.
- Refresh Celluvisc, also made by Allergan, is the thickest drop made to make your retainer lenses very comfortable when you put them in at night, which come in preservative-free vials.
- Boston Rewetting, made by Bausch & Lomb, enhances lens wet ability, which helps to make retainer lenses more comfortable during insertion and removal.
Information for GVSS Wearers
How long do I have to wear the lenses before bed?
We recommend wearing the lenses 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed.
How many hours can I wear my lenses per night?
8 hours is the ideal length of time the lenses should be worn. But anywhere from 6-12 hours is fine.
Will I be able to see 20/20 the next day without my glasses?
No. The first day, your vision may not improve and if it does, it only lasts for a couple of hours. You will need to wear an older pair of glasses at this time.
Can the lens get lost in my eye?
No. The lens can move off center, but it can’t go “behind” the eye. There is tissue and muscle that surrounds the eye, preventing this from happening.
Will my lenses always be this uncomfortable?
No. You will feel your lenses the most for the first week while your eyes are open. Each night that you wear the lenses, they will become more comfortable. By the end of the month, most patients’ lenses are so comfortable that they almost forget that they have them in.
What do I do if I can’t find the solution in stores?
If you are unable to find the solution you usually use, never pick your own to try. ALWAYS make sure to contact our office first.
Is it normal to see “double”?
Yes. The first week or so, it’s very normal for an object to appear clear looking straight ahead and have a slight shadow or halo surrounding the object.