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What Is Contoura Vision?

Contoura Vision is the commercial name for Topography-Guided LASIK, currently regarded as one of the most advanced forms of laser vision correction available. While traditional LASIK and even Wavefront-guided LASIK focus primarily on correcting the refractive error (your prescription for nearsightedness or astigmatism), Contoura focuses on the physical surface of the cornea. It acknowledges that no two corneas are perfectly smooth. By mapping the microscopic peaks and valleys on the corneal surface, Contoura creates a unique treatment profile that smooths out these irregularities while simultaneously correcting the prescription.

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What Is Contoura Vision?

Contoura Vision is the commercial name for Topography-Guided LASIK, currently regarded as one of the most advanced forms of laser vision correction available. While traditional LASIK and even Wavefront-guided LASIK focus primarily on correcting the refractive error (your prescription for nearsightedness or astigmatism), Contoura focuses on the physical surface of the cornea. It acknowledges that no two corneas are perfectly smooth. By mapping the microscopic peaks and valleys on the corneal surface, Contoura creates a unique treatment profile that smooths out these irregularities while simultaneously correcting the prescription.

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22,000 Data Points vs. 200

The primary difference between Contoura and standard Wavefront LASIK is the resolution of the data. Standard Wavefront measurement typically captures around 200 data points regarding how light passes through the eye. Contoura utilizes a diagnostic device called the Topolyzer Vario, which captures approximately 22,000 elevation points on the cornea. This extreme density of data allows the laser to ablate (remove) tissue with unprecedented precision. It targets specific "high spots" on the cornea that cause subtle distortions, much like sanding down the rough patches on a lens to make it optically perfect.

Visual Axis Centration (Line of Sight)

One of the critical innovations of Contoura is how it aligns the laser. Traditional LASIK centers the treatment on the pupil. However, the center of the pupil is not always the center of your vision. Contoura centers the treatment on the Visual Axis, which is the actual line of sight connecting your fovea (retina) to the object you are looking at. By treating the cornea along this precise axis rather than the anatomical pupil center, the surgery reduces the induction of new optical aberrations, resulting in sharper, crisper focus.

Beyond 20/20 (Super Vision)

Because Contoura corrects both the refractive error and the corneal surface irregularities (Higher Order Aberrations), the visual outcomes often exceed what is possible with glasses or contact lenses. In FDA clinical trials, over 30% of patients achieved vision better than 20/20 (such as 20/15 or 20/12.5) after surgery. Furthermore, patients reported a decrease in light sensitivity, difficulty driving at night, and reading difficulty compared to their pre-surgery experience with glasses. This suggests that "Super Vision" is a measurable clinical reality, not just a marketing term.

Treatment of Abnormal Corneas

While standard LASIK is excellent for "normal" eyes, Contoura is particularly valuable for eyes that are difficult to treat. It is often the technology of choice for therapeutic surgeries. For example, if a patient has a decentered ablation from a previous old LASIK surgery, or has a naturally irregular cornea due to mild asymmetric astigmatism, Contoura can normalize the surface. By smoothing out the irregularities first, it restores the optical quality of the eye in a way that standard prescriptions cannot.

FAQs on Contoura Vision

Is it LASIK?

Yes. Contoura Vision is a specific type of LASIK. It still involves creating a flap and using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The difference is strictly in the software algorithm guiding the laser.

Does it cost more?

Typically, yes. Because it requires additional diagnostic scans (the Topolyzer) and creates a highly customized treatment plan, surgeons often charge a premium for Topography-Guided LASIK compared to standard Wavefront-Optimized LASIK.

Can it fix reading glasses?

No. Like standard LASIK, Contoura corrects distance vision. It does not stop Presbyopia (the aging of the lens). Patients over 40 will still eventually need reading glasses unless they opt for a "Monovision" setup.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you have been told in the past that you are not a candidate for LASIK because your cornea is "too irregular" or if you suffer from significant night glare (starbursts) despite having 20/20 vision, you should seek a consultation specifically for Topography-Guided ablation.

References

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/lasik-clinical-trial-results

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27751528/

https://journals.lww.com/claojournal/Abstract/2016/09000/Topography_Guided_LASIK.

https://eyewiki.aao.org/Topography-guided_ablation