IF YOU ARE NEARSIGHTED (MYOPIC) AND WANT TO SEE CLEARLY IN THE DISTANCE WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES - YOU HAVE A CHOICE!!!! Myopia Control Network Services is dedicated to assisting in the education of patients and potential patients regarding the exciting techniques currently available to control, and in many cases, to completely eliminate, nearsightedness (called Myopia). Many major medical health plans cover part or all of the diagnostic and treatment procedures. Numerous sophisticated and high-tech procedures have been perfected which offer potential for dramatic improvement in vision. Opportunities for Myopia Control can be: 1) Non-Surgical A-Orthokeratology: A series of rigid gas permeable contact lenses are fitted in progressive stages to gently reshape the eyes front curvature (the cornea) to improve visual errors. Moderate to low amounts of Myopia. No pain B-Vision Therapy/Orthokeratology: Combining Vision Therapy with Orthokeratology greatly increases success of treatment. The Vision Therapy part is also divided into a series of in-office and home training procedures to enhance visual efficiency skills. Young people ages seven to eighteen should not have refractive surgery and this method of treatment prevents future problems. Moderate to low amounts of Myopia. No pain. 2) Surgical A-RK-Radial Keratotomy: Radial incisions are made to flatten the cornea. Moderate to low amounts of Myopia. Minimal pain. One to seven days recovery. B-ALK-Automated Lamellar Keratectomy: The central part of the cornea is folded back, modified and then reattached. High to moderate amounts of Myopia. Minimal pain. One to seven days recovery. C-PRK-Photorefractive Keratectomy: An excimer laser is used to vaporize tissue allowing the cornea to be resculptured. Moderate to low amounts of Myopia. Pain one week. One to six months recovery. D-LASIK-Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis: "Flap and Zap" Combination of ALK which creates the flap and PRK which uses the laser to zap the cornea. High to low amounts of Myopia. Minimal pain. One to four days recovery. If your eye care professional doesn't offer a full range of Myopia Control procedures, ask them to contact MCNS. Be fully informed about ALL options before making any decision regarding Myopia Control. THE PATIENT HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE A CHOICE. Visit our Web Site -- http://www.mcns.com and e mail us to have a choice. MCNS would be glad to answer any questions by e mail but please give us your telephone number and address of where you live or work. e mail address - eye(a)mcns.com If you would like to be removed, just type remove in the subject line.