Gentle Vision Shaping Services
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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 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.
“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.
“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 two months 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.
What is Corneaplasty?
New technology is on the horizon that will make the effects of GVSS much longer lasting. Corneaplasty is a method that uses a special eye drop to “freeze the prescription” that the GVSS retainer imparts to a patient’s cornea. This effect will last about 12 months and mean that GVSS patients will only need to use their retainers a few nights each YEAR! From there, they would simply return to our office for their yearly eye drop treatment. Unlike GVSS which is already FDA approved (and referred to as Corneal Refractive Therapy or Orthokeratology) Corneaplasty is still being studied and not yet FDA approved.
“How much does GVSS cost?”
Depending on which of three payment plan you choose, the total fee for the entire GVSS program is between $1,800 and $2,000. 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 $150 for each eye.
“What are the disadvantages of GVSS?”
You must be prepared to allow 4-6 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 GVSS. 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.
Comprehensive Eye Examinations
We know your vision is important to you – and it’s important to us. When you come for your appointment, we make sure to schedule ample time for your appointment so you will never feel rushed. Our office provides complete eye care for both adults and children. Our comprehensive eye examinations will check your eyes inside and out for any potential eye disorders or diseases. Your visual skills and abilities are carefully evaluated and appropriate treatment is prescribed, whether it’s medication, lenses, or vision therapy. We are prepared to handle whatever your eyecare needs are, and will treat them with the latest in diagnostic equipment and are committed to keeping up with eye care technology.
Contact Lenses
Focus® NIGHT & DAY®
See Carefree...Every Night and Day
Ever wish you could sleep in your lenses and avoid the hassles of handling them every day? Now you can with NIGHT & DAY® from CIBA Vision. It's the first contact lens that can be worn safely 24 hours a day for up to 30 days and nights - even while you sleep.
In addition, NIGHT & DAY contact lenses are FDA, Health Canada and CE Mark approved for therapeutic use throughout the U.S., Canada and European Union. This means the lens can be used as a bandage to protect your eye and relieve pain following an eye injury or surgical procedure.
NIGHT & DAY is a revolutionary product that can change your life.
These revolutionary lenses allow six times more oxygen to reach your eyes than ordinary soft disposable lenses. Up to thirty days of continuous, natural vision means complete day-to-day freedom - no daily insertion and removal, no cleaning and no lens care product expense. They're so comfortable, you might even forget you're wearing them. Plus, you'll see clearly all the time-even when you get up in the middle of the night.
• Can be worn safely for up to 30 nights of continuous wear
• No cleaning chores
• An excellent alternative to refractive surgery
• Perfect for active lifestyles
As Different as Night and Day
NIGHT & DAY was created from a revolutionary material unlike that or ordinary contacts that was designed specifically for long-term continuous wear. The lens material is considered by many to be the most significant advancement since soft lenses were introduced more than 30 years ago.
They allow your eye to breathe all night and day. In fact, NIGHT & DAY contacts allow six times more oxygen to reach the cornea of your eye than ordinary soft disposable lenses.
No Cleaning Chores
Doesn't everyone want to simplify their life? With NIGHT & DAY contact lenses, there are no hassles - just crisp, clear vision 24 hours a day. Put them in and forget about them for up to one month.
• No daily inserting and removal
• No more cleaning, rinsing or disinfecting
• No eye irritations from lens cleaning solutions
An Excellent Alternative to Surgery
If you are considering laser eye surgery, you may want to consider NIGHT & DAY contact lenses first. They're an effective, affordable alternative to laser surgery. If you are apprehensive about the potential risks and price of laser eye surgery, try them. You'll love the feeling of freedom you never thought you'd have with contacts. Learn more about alternatives to laser surgery.
Perfect for Active Lifestyles
Exercise... play your favorite sport... stay up late... sleep in your contacts. What a relief from the usual put-them-in, take-them-out routine. NIGHT & DAY lenses are so comfortable you won't give your contacts a thought, allowing you to focus on performance and play. A great convenience for your active lifestyle.
For more information on Night and Day Contact Lenses please Click Here.
Optical Dispensing
Our optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to not only fabricate your glasses, but to maintain and repair them should they become broken or damaged. We are able to tint, coat, harden and edge spectacle lenses. We are able to provide you with any frame or lens design available. Our highly qualified optician and staff are able to adjust and fit your glasses to you for extended comfort and vision.
Frames
- Designer Lines
- Safety Frames
- Sports Frames
- Childrens Frames
- Sunglasses
- Spring Hinges
- Lightweight Space-age
Metals
- Large Selection
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Lens Features
- Thin, Lightweight Lenses
- Safety Lenses
- Polycarbonate Lenses
- Progressive Lenses
- Computer Lenses
- Sports Lenses
- Transition Lenses
- Special Tints
- Anti-Reflective Coatings
- Ultra-Violet Protection
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Laser Vision Correction
Most people with vision correction issues are wanting to know more about LASIK and whether it is right for them. Here is a brief description of the procedure;
A flap is surgically cut in the cornea and gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea into a flatter shape (this is much like a contact lens corrects vision by forming a new shape on the cornea). The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage. The healing process is quick and the discomfort level is quite low.
People will often say that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have improved vision in 24-48 hours. but it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, often continues to improve for some weeks, even months.
LASIK is not for everyone. People's eyes are different so even though you may have had a friend who has had LASIK, it may not be the best course of treatment for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure and laser appropriate for you.
After the procedure, we take great care to monitor your eyes and adjust your medication for the best possible results.
Surgery
Our office provides different
types of eye surgeries and specializes in all surgical services
such as Cataract surgery, Laser surgery, Refractive surgery and Strabismic surgery,
Retinal Detachments, Retinal Tears and Hemorrhages. You can be assured that your eyes will be comprehensively managed by the best eye
surgeons.
Botox and Cosmetic Lid
Surgeries
Our office provides the best technology and most
efficient treatment of botox injection for any wrinkles around the eye, forhead,
lips, and extraction lines. Surgical lid retraction and cosmetic eye lid
surgeries will also be one of the services of Ophthalmopathy Eye Clinic.
Eye Infections, Eye Injuries, Dry Eyes
Our office provides emergency services for eye infections and eye injuries. Please call our office at
(703) 918-0020 during office hours or for emergencies. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. State of the art microscopes allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for infection or injury. After assessing the extent of the injury or infection a treatment plan will be formulated and explained to you. Treatment may include medications and supportive care. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as needed.
Eye Diseases; Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes
If you have special eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or complications from diabetes, you will require special attention to your eye care. We can effectively manage these conditions and prescribe the appropriate medications or, when necessary, arrange for surgery. We co-manage with surgeons and hospitals to assure your best overall care. If you would like information on any of these eye diseases, be sure to visit our EyeCyclopedia™ for detailed information and photographs that may help you to better understand your eye condition.
Insurance Plans
We participate with VSP, Medicare, US Healthcare, Aetna, MDIPA, MAMSI, Optimum Choice, BCBS, Cigna, Avesis and Tricare.
Types of Payment Accepted
We accept cash, personal checks, American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, and Discover®.
We offer the following discounts: 10 % senior citizen and 15 % military discount.
Free Lifetime Adjustments and No Charge Reexaminations
Even though our computerized lab is in our office, we still take our time to make your glasses right. 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.
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