oracle pl/sql - no_data_found exceptions bad stored way performance?

i'm minute stored way needs have lot conditioning it. whole trust c#.net coding exceptions harm performance, i've always avoided controlling pl/sql well. conditioning stored proc mostly revolves around presumably record exists, i twin ways:

select count(*) var where condition;
if var > 0 then
   name needed_field othervar where condition;
....

-or-

select needed_field var where condition;
exception
when no_data_found
....

the second box seems bit some-more glorious me, since following i needed_field, i have name initial matter after condition initial case. reduction code. nonetheless stored way run faster controlling count(*), following i don't mind typing small some-more adult guess speed.

any hints? am i blank another possibility?

edit
i should have mentioned already nested loop. certain creates inadequacy controlling cursor, given i don't cruise i announce cursor name loop.