What is Gentle Molding?
The Gentle Molding (GM) uses computer designed vision retainers to gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness and moderate amounts of astigmatism. While similar to contact lenses, the vision retainers are worn only at nighttime during sleep. They are then removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers are comfortable, easy to care for, and offer relief from the problems sometimes associated with full time contact lens wear like dryness and things getting on or under the lenses. Besides GM, you may also see this program called: Orthokeratology, Ortho-k, Gentle Shaping System, Cornea Reshaping, CRT, or Corneal Refractive Therapy.
Does GM have any advantages over lasik surgery?
Yes! GM is about half the cost of laser vision correction. Perhaps the most important attributes of GM are that it is non-invasive and reversible (unlike laser surgery). It is also available for patients under 18 years of age unlike lasik surgery.
Who is a candidate for GM?
Ideally it works best in patients with less than -6.00 of nearsightedness and -3.00 of astigmatism. It is safe for children and adults and may prevent further nearsightedness from increasing!
Can any doctor perform it?
It requires very specialized training and equipment. Dr. Doud has been successfully treating patients, including his three daughters, since 2002. Like many complicated treatments, it requires expertise but more importantly patience and precision to achieve the desired results. Many doctors aren't trained to prescribe GM because it is too time consuming to provide in offices that are concerned with seeing a high volume of patients quickly.
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What does GM involve?
First, a comprehensive vision / eye health exam is performed. Then, a computerized map of your corneal topography is obtained to design your retainer lenses. When you pick up your retainers, you will be trained on how to use and care for them. The maintenance is very easy. After we check how the lenses fit, you can bring them home (yes, you will be able to see with these lenses in). The next morning, you should come to the office wearing your retainers. We will remove them for you and check your vision. Most of the clarity changes occur rapidly over the first few days. If any change in the design of the retainers is needed we will reorder new lenses for you (at no charge). For most patients, only one pair of retainers is needed. Even after you are seeing well we will continue to monitor your eyes to ensure your cornea is adapting well to the retainers. Most patients are done with their follow up care in three months, but due to factors like original prescription and corneal flexibility the speed of GM varies from patient to patient. When treatment is complete, the retainer lenses are worn nightly to maintain daytime clarity.
What are the disadvantages of GM?
Patients must allow for 4 - 6 office visits during the first three months of the program. Also, should you stop wearing your retainers, your vision will slowly return to its original state. While the success of GM is very high nationally, it cannot be guaranteed. Although it is rare that a good candidate does not do well with GM, the rate and degree of change may vary from one person to the next.
Yearly exams are mandatory and lenses must be purchased yearly to maintain proper treatment and corneal health. If patients are not dedicated to regular exams and lens purchases they should not pursue GM. While this procedure is safe you must remember it is a reshaping treatment and is unlike traditional contact lens wear. If not monitored closely by a GM specialist it could lead to vision problems.
What does the Gentle Molding Program Include?
Your first year on the program includes a comprehensive vision / eye health exam, topography, retainer lens design and fitting, lens insertion, removal, and care instruction; and all of the professional visits and retainer lenses needed to achieve optimal vision for a full year. Program fees are determined by vision correction and will be outline by Dr. Doud at the start of your program.