Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Gentle Vision Shaping System (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.
I’ve never heard of GVSS. Is it 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 GVSS cost?
The entire GVSS program includes all of the prefessional visits for one year and two sets of retainer lenses and starts at $2,250. Fees depend on the prescription and
the form of payment.
Do I have to pay this every year
No after the program is completed you will continue to have annual eye examinations and maintenance
checkups. The checkups are included in our Contact Lens Savings Program and
lower the cost of the vision retainers, which begin at $300.
Does health or vision insurance cover this procedure?
Unfortunately, health insurance considers both surgical (LAISK) and non-surgical
(GVSS) vision improvement to be cosmetic and therefore do not cover this procedure.
Does GVSS qualify for Reimbursement Accounts?
Yes, GVSS does qualify for employer sponsored Health Care Reimbursement Accounts
and many of our patients take advantage of this benefit.
Do all eye doctors perform GVSS?
No, GVSS does not work on every patient and needs to be performed in a very
exact and meticulous manner. Drs. Tannen, Despotidis and Lee have performed
this technique for over a decade and have extensive experience. In addition,
we have the necessary 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.
When it comes to eyes, I’m very concerned,
is it 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.
Does GVSS work for adults too?
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.
