What is Contoura Vision?

Contoura Vision TopoGuided LASIK is a new technology designed to enhance the effects of LASIK. It corrects the vision based on the corneal topography (corneal curvature maps) as against the correction of vision in a standard LASIK surgery which is only based on glasses or contact lens prescription.

Contoura Vision TopoGuided LASIK involves the use of a separate diagnostic device called topolyser which provides measurement of 22,000 points on the cornea capturing the imperfections in both the curvature and the optics of the cornea. These topographic measurements are then combined with the patient’s eyeglass prescription and a customized treatment profile is created and programmed into the state of the art laser. The final laser ablation is performed by the WaveLight EX 500 Excimer laser system. Thus this technology works to optimize the corneal surface during LASIK procedure.  

 

What makes Contoura Vision so unique?

The Topolyser has unparalleled diagnostic capabilities to record even the minutest imperfections in the curvature of the cornea. It provides an incredible measurement of 22,000 points as compared to the currently available wave front-guided LASIK that measures around 200 points. The topography measurements are so accurate that it is impossible for any two treatments to be the same. Hence this technology is remarkable as it corrects the refractive errors with higher precision than ever before.

 

How does it help?

Since Contoura Vision combines refractive prescription with corneal topography maps it provides improved quality of vision to the patients. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) results reveal that the patients who opted for this technology had a significant improvement and were able to see even more clearly without corrective eyewear. As per the clinical trials statistics, almost 90% of patients post-operatively saw as well or better without glasses than they ever did with glasses.

 

  • ·         Specifically suitable for patients with Astigmatism > 1D  
  • ·         Decrease in difficulty during night driving
  • ·         Lesser sensitivity towards light, less glare
  • ·         Better quality of vision
 

How is it done?

      1.   Preparation

      2.   During Treatment

      3.   Post Treatment

   

  Prepration :

    A complete preoperative screening is done by clinical examination and corneal topography (Pentacam) to assess the eligibility and safety of LASIK         
    procedure for the patient. If any retinal lesions (like thinning/ hole/ tear) are found during the evaluation, they are treated first using barrage laser and
    LASIK is performed only after 1 to 4 weeks.

 

During Treatment :

On the day of surgery, the topographic images of the patient are captured using topolyser and the same is transferred to the treatment planning station to generate the customised treatment profile.
Contoura Vision FemtoLASIK is done on WaveLight Refractive Suite, the fastest laser available in the world.
Thin corneal flap is created first using the Bladeless Femtosecond technology on the iFS laser.
Topoguided laser ablation for refractive correction is performed on the EX500 laser.

  Post Treatment :

The patient can leave the hospital 30 minutes after the procedure. Eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and to facilitate the healing process. The patient is assessed next day after the procedure and then 1 week and 1 month later.

 

What are the benefits and risks oo this technology?

Contoura Vision technology is a boon for patients suffering from different refractive errors. It has many benefits, but a few risks too.

·         Benefits/ Advantages

·         Risks

 

·        Benefits/Advantages:

         ·        Reduced or absent dependence on glasses

                       Decrease in difficulty during night driving

         ·         Lesser sensitivity towards light, less glare

   ·                  Better quality of vision

 

             Contoura Vision is approved by US-FDA claiming highest of safety in specs removal procedures.

 Also Contoura Vision has the following advantages:

  • Blade – Less
  • Pain – Less
  • Stitch – Less
  • No Injections
  • No Bandage
  • No Hospitalisation
  • Walk in – Walk Out Specs Free
 

Difference between Contoura Vision and Lasik

Both LASIK and Contoura Vision are state-of-the-art techniques used to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. There are differences between the two types of surgeries in both procedures and visual outcome.

·       Although LASIK has been the gold standard to eliminate the need for spectacles or contact lenses, the Contoura Vision procedure gives better visual acuity and refractive outcome in the vast majority of cases. Contoura Vision takes LASIK corrective surgery to a new height. Contoura Vision is a computer-guided topographic mapping technique that maps microscopic contours of the cornea. The cornea is the clear front of the eye.

·     This procedure treats irregularities of the curvature of the cornea as well as optics. Irregularities in the curvature of the cornea are often the underlying cause of vision problems. The treatment is centered on the visual axis of the eye. In contrast, other LASIK procedures are centered on the pupil.

·      With Contoura Vision, the contours of the cornea generated by the computer analysis are programmed into a specially designed laser used for this procedure. At least 22,000 points of the cornea are mapped. An individualized treatment plan is made, and the laser applies this treatment to the cornea. Because each patient’s eyes are different, no two treatment plans are alike.

·       The irregularities of the cornea are smoothed, and optical quality becomes so perfect so that light penetrates the eye evenly. This results in clear, sharp vision. The technique goes beyond the standard corrections of eyeglasses. Most patients see more clearly without spectacles after treatment with Contoura Vision than they did with corrective lenses. There are also significantly fewer problems with glare and halos around lights. Studies show a decrease in complaints by patients about the difficulty in driving at night.

The results of Contoura Vision correction are exciting. Approximately 65 percent of the patients who had the treatment have correction better than 6/6. Also, there is less damage to tissues and faster healing. Contoura Vision is also used in some instances to treat people who have had LASIK surgery and are not satisfied with the results