Gentle Molding Therapy GMT

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'What is GENTLE MOLDING THERAPY-GMT?'

GENTLE MOLDING THERAPY-GMT uses specially designed vision retainers to gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and presbyopia(the need for READING GLASSES). 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 GMT? Why not just wear eyeglasses or contact lenses?'

The main purpose of GMT 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 GMT offers the appeal of being free from corrective lenses during the day. GMT also offers relief from the problems sometimes associated with full time contact lens wear like drying and things getting on or under the lenses.

'Does GMT have any advantages over Laser Surgery?'

There are several. GMT is less than 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 GMT. Both eyes can easily be done at the same time with GMT. Also, prescription changes are easy to deal with using GMT. There are no strong steroid or antibiotic drugs needed with GENTLE MOLDING THERAPY as there are during the post-operative period for laser surgery. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, GMT is REVERSIBLE, WHILE LASIK IS NOT!!!

'Is everyone suitable for GMT 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 GMT.

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 unmeasurable factors for each patient - most notably the cornea?s rigidity. Thus the speed of GMT varies with each patient. Generally, but not always, less nearsighted patients respond faster than more nearsighted ones. There are no age barriers for GMT. It is safe for children and adults and is an excellent alternative for children who are just first becoming nearsighted as GENTLE MOLDING 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.

'What does the GMT 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 ORTHO-VISION 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 GMT, your own vision retainers will be ordered. It takes about one to two weeks 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. Your vision 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) contact lenses or glasses 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 two months 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.

'How much does GENTLE MOLDING THERAPY cost?'

Depending on your prescription, the total fee for the entire GENTLE MOLDING program is between $2,100 and $4,100. This includes all of the professional visits, retainer lenses needed to achieve optimal vision, and any needed interim soft contact lenses or glasses. Lost, broken or spare retainers are available at a cost of $190 for each eye.

'What are the disadvantages of GMT?'

You must be prepared to allow 3 - 5 visits over a two month period. Should you stop wearing your retainers, your vision will slowly 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 GMT. Rates and amount of improvement vary from one person to the next.

'I've never heard of GMT. Is it new?'

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 GMT. For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not to participate in GMT. With the newer diagnostic technology used to measure the corneal shape and the newer materials being used for vision retainers, GMT is now a viable alternative for many nearsighted, farsighted,astigmatic, and presbyopic patients.

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"Visit the www.ortho-k.net or www.gentlemolding.com WEB SITE".