Contoura Vision is a relatively new and advanced laser eye surgery procedure, and its popularity in India may vary depending on the location and availability of clinics that offer the procedure. However, it is considered to be one of the most advanced laser eye surgery procedures currently available and its popularity is likely to increase as more clinics adopt the technology.
Contoura Vision eye surgery was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016, and since then it has been introduced in several countries including India.
As laser vision correction surgeries are becoming popular in India, people are becoming more aware of the latest technologies and procedures, which are increasing the demand for advanced treatments like Contoura Vision. Many reputed eye hospitals and clinics in India have adopted this procedure, and it’s becoming more available in major cities.
It’s important to note that, although it’s a relatively new procedure, it’s still important to do research and consult with a qualified eye surgeon before deciding if Contoura Vision is the right choice for you. It’s also important to consider the cost of the procedure, which can vary depending on the clinic and location.
Contoura Vision Treatment
Contoura Vision surgery is a treatment mainly for myopia (nearsightedness), which is a common vision condition in which near objects appear clear, but objects farther away look blurry. In the technical language, myopia is a common refractive error.
Up to 50% of the world’s population is expected to be myopic by 2050, making it a significant public health issue on a worldwide scale. Myopia can have serious social, psychological, economic, and developmental repercussions if it is not treated. Additionally, the irreversible sequel that threatens eyesight appears imminent because of the degenerative alterations in the optic disc and retina.
About 41.6 percent of Americans are nearsighted, up from 25 percent in 1971. According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine, the prevalence of myopia in India in population-based, school-based and hospital-based studies varied between 2.5% and 36.5%. Among these, the two studies from Jammu and Kashmir were school-based and noted a prevalence of 4.1% to 4.74% in 3–22-year-old subjects.
Contoura Vision & Epi-Contoura
Contoura Vision and Epi-Contoura are both laser eye surgery procedures that use advanced mapping technology to create a highly detailed 3D map of the patient’s eye, which is used to guide the laser during the surgery. However, they are slightly different in their approach and the type of technology used.
Contoura Vision is a topography-guided laser eye surgery procedure. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye in order to correct any refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) that are causing the patient’s vision problems. The procedure is based on the use of Wavefront technology, which allows measurement of the aberrations of the eye, in order to provide a personalized treatment plan.
Epi-Contoura, on the other hand, is an advanced form of laser eye surgery that combines the benefits of topography-guided laser eye surgery with the benefits of wavefront-optimized laser eye surgery. The procedure is specially designed for patients with thin corneas, delivering extraordinary results with a completely painless, touchless, cut-less, blade-less, flap-less laser procedure.
In fact, the only major difference between the two procedures is the method of dealing with the flap. In Contoura Vision, the flap is created to allow the laser to reshape the cornea and then the flap is glued back. In the case of Epi-Contoura, the thin flap is completely removed and bandage contact glasses are used to allow for the flap to grow in 3-5 days.
Both procedures are considered to be highly advanced and have been shown to have a high success rate and minimal side effects. However, the choice of procedure will depend on the individual’s specific case and personal preferences, and it’s crucial to consult with a qualified eye surgeon to determine the best course of treatment.
Eligibility for Contoura Vision Surgery
In order to be eligible for the procedure, a patient must generally meet certain criteria, which include:
- Being over the age of 21: This is because the eye’s shape and refractive error may change during the patient’s youth.
- Having a stable prescription: The patient’s prescription should be stable for at least one year before the procedure.
- Having a healthy cornea: The patient’s cornea should be thick and healthy enough to withstand the procedure without complications.
- Having realistic expectations: The procedure can correct refractive errors, but it may not necessarily eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses in all cases.
- Having good overall health: The patient should be in good overall health and not have any underlying medical conditions that would make the procedure risky.
- Not being pregnant or breastfeeding: The procedure is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contoura Vision Surgery Procedure
The surgery procedure typically goes as follows:
- Before the surgery, the patient will have a thorough eye examination to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- During the procedure, the patient’s eye will be numbed with eye drops, and a device will be used to create a detailed 3D map of the patient’s eye.
- The laser will then be used to reshape the cornea of the eye in order to correct any refractive errors that are causing the patient’s vision problems.
The treatment typically takes around 20 minutes per eye and is done on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself is relatively painless, and most patients experience only mild discomfort during the surgery. The patient will be given eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
The recovery process is generally fast, most patients can resume their normal activities the next day.
Cost of Contoura Vision
The cost of Contoura Vision can vary depending on the location of the clinic and the specific vision problem being treated. It is generally considered to be more expensive than traditional laser eye surgery procedures, due to the advanced technology used.
While the expenses for a bladeless LASIK treatment in India may cost between Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 90,000, Contoura Vision correction cost ranges from Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,15,000. The precise cost will, of course, vary depending on the intricacy of each case and the technique chosen.
In AIIMS, however, the costs are starkly low: SMILE costs Rs. 52,000; LASIK costs Rs. 21,000 and Contoura Vision only Rs. 21,000. Besides, the related tests, consultations, follow-up visits etc. are all free. The appointment in AIIMS can be applied online through Online Registration System.
Benefits of Contoura Vision
The benefits of Contoura Vision include:
- High success rate
- Fast recovery
- Minimal side effects
- High precision and accuracy
- Improved night vision
- Better contrast sensitivity
Side Effects of Contoura Vision
The side effects of Contoura Vision are generally mild and temporary. They may include:
- Dry eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Glare or halos around lights
- Slight discomfort or pain
- Blurred vision
As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified eye surgeon to determine if Contoura Vision is the right choice for you and to discuss any potential risks and side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most modern technique for removing glasses?
There are three popular techniques in today’s date to remove spectacles. The first one is Lasik Laser, the second is SMILE and the most advanced is the third one, Contoura Vision. However, the laser is used in all three techniques to remove spectacles from the eyes.
How is Contoura Vision different from older spectacle removal techniques?
Older techniques for removing glasses such as Lasik and Smile only remove the number of glasses. That is, the vision that is being achieved with glasses, the same vision will be achieved without glasses. But there are two new advancements in the Contoura Vision.
The first advancement is called corneal irregularities removal. Another advancement is called visual access treatment. Because of these two advancements, the quality of eye-sight that comes after Contoura Vision is many times better than Smile and Lasik. Patients undergoing Contoura Vision experience supervision, which means they can see more than a normal person.
Is Contoura Vision safe and does it hurt?
Contura Vision is a very safe technology and surgeries are done daily with this technique. This technique is being used all over the world as the technology is also recognized by the US FDA.
The Contoura Vision procedure is so advanced that it does not cause any pain. Besides, no injections, no stitches, no blades or hospitalization are required.
Patients, who undergo this surgery, start to see clearly from the next day only. There is abstinence for 3-4 days, then they can go about their normal routines as usual.
What are the side effects of Contoura Vision?
After all, Contoura Vision is a medical procedure and every medical procedure can have some side effects. However, there are not many side effects that can be seen with Contoura Vision.
There may be a slight burning sensation in the eyes immediately after the operation. Tears can come out of the eyes. Eyes can dazzle. These problems get cured in 2-3 days.
The problem which lasts for a long time is dryness in the eyes after the operation. But this dryness comes in a smile as well as in Lasik surgery. In Contoura Vision, the dryness takes 2-3 months to heal during which lubricating drops are put in the eyes.
What is the maximum power of glasses that can be removed with Contoura Vision?
Contura Vision technology can remove glasses from half number to number 8. If a patient’s number is above 8, then another type of technique is used in such a patient, which is called ICL.
In ICL surgery, a lens is inserted in the eye and with this technique, glasses from half number to number 24 can be removed without any problem.
Disclaimer: The things mentioned here and the method of treatment are based on the experience of experts. Before implementing any advice, please consult your doctor.