The main difference between Contoura Vision and LASIK lies in how they map your cornea. Traditional LASIK examines about 200 points on your cornea’s surface, while Contoura Vision creates a detailed map using 22,000 points. This increased precision helps achieve better vision correction outcomes.
Clinical studies show notable differences in results. With Contoura Vision, about 65% of patients achieve vision better than 20/16, surpassing their previous vision with glasses. Traditional LASIK helps 91% of patients reach 20/20 vision, which matches what they saw with their best pair of glasses.
Your eye doctor can help determine which procedure suits your needs best. Several factors influence this decision, including your cornea’s shape, current vision problems, and expected outcomes. We’ll examine how these procedures differ in their approach, success rates, recovery time, and cost to help you make an informed choice about your vision correction.
What is Contoura Vision and How Does it Work?
Approved by the FDA in 2015, Contoura Vision helps correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Our natural lens is like a camera lens crystal clear to most of us, but when vision problems occur, Contoura Vision offers a precise solution.
The technology behind Contoura
The way smudgy lenses cause blurring of vision, corneal irregularities affect our eyesight. Contoura Vision examines your cornea by mapping 22,000 unique points, creating a detailed picture of your eye’s surface. This precise mapping helps your eye doctor understand both the shape and texture of your cornea.
Unlike traditional LASIK that focuses on the pupil center, Contoura Vision aligns with your natural seeing axis. This approach helps smooth out corneal irregularities for sharper vision. Clinical results show that 92.6% of treated eyes achieve at least 20/20 vision. For some people, vision becomes even better than what they had with glasses or contacts – about 30% of patients experience this improvement.
Key components of the procedure
The Contoura Vision process involves three main steps:
- Advanced Mapping: Your doctor uses a specialized device called a topolyser to create a three-dimensional map of your cornea. This map shows even tiny irregularities that might affect your vision.
- Customized Planning: A computer analyzes this detailed map to develop your personalized treatment plan. This ensures the laser treatment addresses your specific vision needs.
- Precision Treatment: The procedure uses two types of lasers:
- One creates a protective flap in your cornea (IntraLase system)
- Another reshapes the cornea (Star S4 IR laser)
During the procedure, your surgeon first creates a thin corneal flap using bladeless technology. Then, guided by your corneal map, the excimer laser performs the correction. This approach fixes both vision problems and corneal irregularities.
Contoura Vision typically reduces common side effects like light sensitivity, glare, and halos after surgery. The procedure’s ability to smooth corneal irregularities also helps improve how clearly you see contrast in images.
For some people, other eye problems prohibit the use of traditional LASIK. Contoura Vision often helps these patients by addressing both vision problems and corneal surface irregularities at the same time. Talk with your eye doctor about whether this procedure might work for you.
Understanding Traditional LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery remains one of the most common laser procedures for vision correction. The surgery focuses on reshaping your cornea – the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye that helps focus light.
Basic LASIK procedure steps
During LASIK surgery, you’ll lie back in a chair while your surgeon performs the procedure, which typically takes less than 30 minutes. Your doctor first applies numbing drops to ensure your comfort.
To begin the procedure, your surgeon creates a thin flap in your cornea. A special ring holds your eye steady, which causes your vision to dim briefly. Your doctor then uses either a precise blade instrument or laser to make this protective flap.
After carefully folding back the flap, your surgeon reshapes your cornea. You’ll focus on a light while staying still. The excimer laser removes tiny amounts of tissue using cool ultraviolet light. Advanced tracking systems watch your eye position 500 times each second, automatically stopping if your eye moves too much.
Once the reshaping finishes, your surgeon places the flap back in position. It begins healing right away without needing stitches. The actual laser treatment takes less than 30 seconds.
Technology used in LASIK
LASIK uses two main types of laser systems:
- Flap Creation Technology:
- Traditional method using a precise blade instrument
- Modern laser method offering better accuracy
- Corneal Reshaping Technology:
- Excimer laser using cool ultraviolet light
- Wavefront mapping technology for detailed treatment planning
The FDA closely monitors these laser systems, requiring thorough testing for safety. Every laser used must meet strict standards.
The change from blade to bladeless femtosecond laser technology marks an important advance. This newer method gives surgeons better control when creating the corneal flap. It also helps patients with thinner corneas who couldn’t have traditional LASIK before.
Research shows LASIK’s strong safety record. U.S. studies from 1993 to 2005 included over 9,000 patients. More than 7,000 studies confirm its safety, with complication rates staying under 1%.
Before surgery, your doctor uses advanced mapping technology to create detailed pictures of your cornea. This helps identify any subtle irregularities that might affect your vision.
During the laser treatment, you might hear clicking sounds and notice an unusual smell – this comes from the laser’s chemical reaction, not from burning tissue. The precise laser control helps ensure accurate vision correction while protecting your cornea.
Key Technical Differences Between the Procedures
The way smudgy lenses causes blurrying of vision same way our natural lens looses it’s transparency over a period of time. Both Contoura Vision and LASIK help correct this, but their approaches differ significantly in how they map and treat your cornea.
Corneal mapping approach
Think of corneal mapping like taking a picture of your eye’s surface. While traditional LASIK captures about 200 points, Contoura Vision maps an impressive 22,000 points. This difference is like comparing a basic digital camera to a high-resolution professional one – the more detail captured, the clearer the final image.
Topography-guided mapping technology in Contoura Vision creates precise maps showing both major vision problems and subtle imperfections that affect your vision quality. This detailed mapping helps your doctor understand your eye’s unique characteristics better.
Laser technology comparison
Both procedures use advanced laser systems, but with key differences:
- Femtosecond Laser: Contoura Vision uses this for creating a protective flap without blades
- Excimer Laser: This reshapes your cornea based on the detailed map
Traditional LASIK might use either a precise blade or laser for flap creation. The choice between these methods affects how accurately your doctor can perform the procedure.
Treatment customization
Contoura Vision focuses on your eye’s natural seeing axis, while traditional LASIK uses the pupil center. This difference matters because it helps achieve more natural vision patterns.
Your treatment plan with Contoura Vision includes:
- Creating detailed 3D maps of your cornea’s unique features
- Developing personalized treatment profiles
- Using precise laser application guided by these maps
This customized approach helps fix vision problems that traditional LASIK can’t address. The technology smooths out corneal irregularities while correcting your vision.
The procedure’s computer software turns detailed corneal measurements into a precise treatment plan. Clinical studies show impressive results – about two-thirds of Contoura Vision patients achieve better than 20/20 vision, compared to one-third with traditional LASIK.
Your eye doctor can spot and fix subtle corneal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. This thorough approach helps ensure better long-term vision quality by addressing both obvious and hidden vision issues.
Comparing Visual Outcomes and Success Rates
Talk with your eye doctor about whether surgery is right for you. Clinical studies show important differences between Contoura Vision and traditional LASIK outcomes. Let’s look at how these procedures compare in helping patients achieve better vision.
Vision quality metrics
Our studies show remarkable results with Contoura Vision. 97% of Contoura Vision patients achieve uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/32 or better. All patients maintain a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25 or better.
The improvements go beyond basic vision measures. About 10% of patients gain an extra line of vision clarity. Even more impressive, 30-40% of Contoura Vision patients see better than they did with their best pair of glasses.
Contoura Vision helps reduce common vision problems like:
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Distorted vision
The detailed mapping of 22,000 points on your cornea helps achieve better results because:
- It targets your natural seeing axis
- It fixes both major and minor vision problems
- It maintains your eye’s natural shape
Long-term stability
For most people, there is no rush to remove cataracts because they usually don’t harm the eyes. However, vision stability after surgery matters greatly. Clinical data shows Contoura Vision results remain stable over time.
Three months after surgery, we see impressive results:
- 87% of patients maintain a residual spherical equivalent of -0.25 D or less
- 73% achieve a manifest cylinder of 0.25 D or less
- No patients show errors larger than -0.75 D
The procedure effectively corrects both regular and irregular astigmatism. The precise corneal mapping helps prevent vision changes after surgery.
Concerned about future eye procedures? Contoura Vision’s approach to maintaining optimal corneal shape often helps if you need cataract surgery later in life.
We see fewer complications with Contoura Vision, resulting in:
- Less damage to corneal tissue
- Quicker healing
- Fewer vision disturbances
Follow-up visits consistently show superior vision quality in Contoura Vision patients. By fixing both vision problems and corneal irregularities, patients achieve better overall results.
The comprehensive treatment approach helps maintain stable vision improvements. Many patients achieve vision even better than the standard 20/20 benchmark.
The success comes from careful treatment planning that preserves your eye’s natural properties while providing vision correction.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care
After laser vision correction, you’ll have some discomfort, mild redness or foreign body sensation for a few days. Healing generally occurs within a few days to weeks. Though both Contoura Vision and LASIK share similar recovery patterns, following proper care instructions helps ensure the best results.
Immediate recovery period
Most patients notice better vision within a few days after surgery. The first week proves crucial for healing, so proper care remains essential.
To help your eyes heal properly:
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and dryness
- Give your eyes breaks from screens to reduce strain
- Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV rays, dust, and wind
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent complications
A balanced diet with vitamins A, C, and E helps support healing. We also recommend avoiding eye makeup and facial products until your doctor approves their use.
Long-term care requirements
After initial healing, proper care helps maintain your improved vision. Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours) reduces eye strain and supports recovery. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor help monitor your progress.
Your aftercare program includes:
- Sun Protection: Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days
- Activity Management: Start normal activities gradually, avoiding heavy exercise for a week
- Eye Drop Schedule: Follow your prescribed eye drop routine, waiting five minutes between different drops
- Clean Habits: Keep hands clean when using drops or touching near your eyes
Potential complications
Like any other procedure in body, laser eye surgery carries some risks. Common temporary side effects include:
Short-term Issues:
- Dry eyes, usually improving within weeks or months
- Sensitivity to bright lights, gradually getting better
- Need for temporary eye protection from light
- Mild discomfort during early recovery
More Serious Issues:
- Vision not fully corrected, possibly needing additional treatment
- Infection, requiring immediate doctor attention
- Flap problems needing surgical correction
- Corneal scarring that affects vision
Some patients notice halos or starbursts around lights at night. Most of these effects go away naturally within weeks to months after surgery. Following your doctor’s instructions carefully helps reduce these risks.
Talk with your eye doctor if you notice anything unusual during recovery. Keeping all follow-up appointments and taking medications as prescribed helps ensure proper healing.
Complete vision stabilization typically occurs within three to six weeks. During this time, protecting your eyes and following care guidelines helps achieve the best possible vision outcomes.
Cost Factors and Insurance Coverage
Talk with your eye doctor about the costs involved in vision correction. The price difference between Contoura Vision and LASIK reflects their technological capabilities and treatment approaches.
Procedure costs breakdown
Contoura Vision typically costs more than traditional LASIK. In India, expect to pay between ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000 per eye for Contoura Vision. Traditional LASIK procedures range from ₹25,000 to ₹80,000 per eye.
Several factors affect your final cost:
Technology Used
- Advanced corneal mapping equipment
- Special diagnostic instruments
- Modern laser systems
Doctor’s Expertise
- Surgeon’s experience
- Special training
- Professional qualifications
Location Factors City locations often cost more because of:
- Better equipment availability
- Higher running costs
- More patient demand
The total cost usually includes:
- Initial consultations and tests
- The surgery itself
- Medicines after surgery
- Follow-up visits
In the United States, costs run higher – Contoura Vision ranges from INR 168,760 to INR 379,712 per eye, reflecting the advanced technology needed.
Insurance considerations
For some people, insurance might help cover these procedures. According to IRDAI guidelines, basic health plans may cover LASIK surgery in certain cases.
You might qualify for coverage if you have:
- Vision problems measuring 7.5 dioptres or more
- Eye issues from an injury or accident
- Physical conditions preventing glasses use
Most insurance plans have waiting periods before covering eye surgery:
- An initial waiting time
- Additional 2-3 years for laser procedures
Major insurance companies offering coverage include:
- Star Health Insurance
- Manipal Cigna Health Insurance
- Aditya Birla Health Insurance
- Care Health Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance
If you don’t have insurance, many clinics provide payment options:
- No-interest EMI plans
- Flexible payment schedules
- Financing through partner companies
Though Contoura Vision costs more, many patients find the investment worthwhile considering its advanced technology and better vision outcomes. The procedure’s ability to fix both vision problems and corneal irregularities often justifies the higher cost.
To avoid unexpected expenses, ask your clinic for a detailed cost breakdown. Discussing payment options and insurance coverage early helps you plan better for the procedure.
Conclusion
Our natural lens is like a camera lens crystal clear in most of us. When vision problems develop, both Contoura Vision and LASIK offer solutions, though Contoura Vision provides more precise treatment by mapping 22,000 points on your cornea compared to LASIK’s 200 points.
To deal with symptoms of cataracts until you decide to have surgery, try to understand your options carefully. While Contoura Vision costs more than traditional LASIK, many patients find the investment worthwhile because it fixes both major vision problems and subtle corneal irregularities. Both procedures need similar recovery time and careful following of aftercare instructions.
Talk with your eye doctor about whether surgery is right for you. Schedule a consultation at Daya Eye Center to learn which procedure suits your needs best. Your doctor will consider your vision problems, corneal characteristics, and budget when recommending the best option.
For most people, there is no rush to make this decision. Take time to choose an experienced surgeon and understand the aftercare process. With proper care and the right procedure choice, you can look forward to clearer vision ahead.
FAQs
1. Is Contoura Vision more effective than traditional LASIK?
Contoura Vision generally offers superior results due to its advanced corneal mapping technology, which analyzes 22,000 unique points compared to LASIK’s 200 points. This precision allows for better correction of both lower and higher-order aberrations, often resulting in sharper vision and higher patient satisfaction.
2. What are the potential drawbacks of Contoura Vision?
While Contoura Vision is highly effective, it may have some potential side effects similar to other laser eye surgeries. These can include temporary dry eyes, slight under or over-correction, and in rare cases, issues with corneal flap healing. However, serious complications are uncommon, and most side effects are temporary.
3. How successful is Contoura Vision in achieving optimal vision?
Contoura Vision has shown impressive success rates, with studies indicating that about 65% of patients achieve better than 20/20 vision. The procedure’s ability to address both refractive errors and subtle corneal irregularities contributes to its high success rate in providing excellent visual outcomes.
4. Is the higher cost of Contoura Vision justified?
While Contoura Vision is typically more expensive than traditional LASIK, many patients find the additional cost worthwhile. The advanced technology offers more precise treatment, potentially better visual outcomes, and the ability to correct corneal irregularities. The value depends on individual vision needs and goals.
5. What does the recovery process look like after Contoura Vision?
Recovery after Contoura Vision is generally quick, with most patients noticing improved vision within a few days. The initial healing phase is crucial, requiring careful adherence to post-operative care instructions. This includes using prescribed eye drops, avoiding eye rubbing, and protecting eyes from UV rays. Complete vision stabilization typically occurs within three to six weeks.
