What is Contoura LASIK?
Contoura LASIK, officially known as Contoura® Vision Topography Guided LASIK, represents an advanced form of LASIK surgery that incorporates detailed corneal mapping to enhance the precision of the procedure. This technology was introduced to the field of laser vision correction to address not only the refractive error (the need for glasses or contact lenses) but also the corneal irregularities that can affect the quality of vision.
Contoura LASIK is one of the many advantages of getting LASIK in Las Vegas at LVEI with Dr. Swanic.
Key Features of Contoura LASIK
Detailed Corneal Mapping: Contoura LASIK uses the WaveLight Topolyzer Vario Diagnostic Device (VARIO) to capture up to 22,000 data points on the cornea, creating a highly detailed map of its surface. This map reveals the unique peaks and valleys of the cornea, much like a fingerprint.
Customized Vision Correction: The detailed corneal map allows for a more personalized laser procedure. By addressing the specific irregularities of each patient’s cornea, Contoura LASIK aims to provide a higher degree of vision correction precision compared to traditional LASIK.
What is the Vario Topolyzer and how is it used in Contoura LASIK?
The WaveLight® Topolyzer® Vario Diagnostic Device, often referred to as the Vario Topolyzer, is an advanced corneal topographer used in the planning and execution of Contoura LASIK procedures. It is a key component in creating a highly detailed map of the cornea’s surface, which is essential for the customization of the LASIK treatment.
The Vario Topolyzer, made by Alcon, captures detailed corneal topographic data by measuring the reflection of light from a series of concentric rings projected onto your cornea (Placido disc technology). This device can capture up to 22,000 data points, providing a detailed map of the cornea’s surface irregularities. These data points are then used to guide the excimer laser during the LASIK procedure, allowing for a highly customized ablation pattern that addresses both refractive errors and corneal irregularities.
Usage in Contoura LASIK
During a Contoura LASIK procedure, the Vario Topolyzer’s detailed corneal maps are combined with the patient’s refractive error information to create a personalized treatment plan. The laser ablation is then tailored to your unique corneal topography, aiming to correct vision by smoothing out irregularities and improving the cornea’s ability to focus light onto the retina.
The Vario Topolyzer is also used to ensure that the eye’s surface is clear and consistent before capturing measurements, because any eye debris can affect the accuracy of the topographic data. The device’s software helps a refractive surgeon to evaluate the quality of the mapped images, allowing Dr. Swanic to select the best map for your LASIK surgery.
Importance in Achieving Optimal Results
The Vario Topolyzer’s role in Contoura LASIK is crucial for achieving optimal results. By providing a detailed corneal map, it allows for a more precise correction of visual aberrations, potentially leading to better visual outcomes compared to traditional LASIK procedures. The device’s accuracy and the ability to capture a high number of data points make it an essential tool in modern refractive surgery.
Potential for Superior Visual Outcomes: Contoura
LASIK has the potential to produce better visual outcomes by correcting corneal aberrations. This can lead to sharper vision, potentially even better than what glasses or contacts can provide.
FDA Approval
The technology has been approved since 2016 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the correction of myopic (nearsighted) vision and astigmatism after extensive clinical trials.
How does Contoura LASIK work?
Contoura LASIK, officially known as Contoura Vision Topography Guided LASIK, operates on a sophisticated mechanism that significantly enhances the precision and customization of laser vision correction procedures. This advanced form of LASIK leverages detailed corneal mapping to tailor the treatment to the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes. Here’s a breakdown of how Contoura LASIK works:
Detailed Corneal Mapping
The foundation of Contoura LASIK is its ability to create a highly detailed map of the cornea using the WaveLight Topolyzer Vario Diagnostic Device (VARIO). This device captures up to 22,000 data points on the cornea, illustrating its unique topography—its peaks and valleys, much like a fingerprint. This detailed mapping allows for an unprecedented level of precision in correcting vision.
Customized Vision Correction
Using the detailed corneal map, Contoura LASIK customizes the laser correction for each eye. Traditional LASIK procedures correct vision based on the patient’s prescription for glasses or contact lenses, which does not account for individual corneal irregularities. Contoura LASIK, however, uses the data from the corneal map to guide the WaveLight EX500 laser in reshaping the cornea. This process not only corrects the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) but also smooths out microscopic imperfections on the corneal surface.
Improved Visual Outcomes
By addressing both the refractive error and the corneal irregularities, Contoura LASIK has the potential to provide superior visual outcomes compared to traditional LASIK. Patients may achieve sharper vision, potentially surpassing what they could achieve with glasses or contact lenses. The procedure aims to correct the way light is focused on the retina, thereby improving the quality of vision.
Considerations and Candidacy
Not all patients are suitable candidates for Contoura LASIK. The procedure requires a detailed evaluation of the cornea’s shape and thickness. Candidates must be within the approved treatment range, and the decision to proceed with Contoura LASIK involves a thorough analysis by the surgeon to ensure that the patient will benefit from this level of customization.
Contoura LASIK represents a significant advancement in laser vision correction technology. Its mechanism of action—detailed corneal mapping followed by customized laser reshaping—offers a personalized approach to treating refractive errors and corneal irregularities, aiming to provide patients with the highest possible quality of vision.
Contoura LASIK vs. Traditional LASIK
While traditional LASIK focuses on correcting the refractive error based on the patient’s glasses or contact lens prescription, Contoura LASIK goes further by addressing the microscopic imperfections in the cornea’s shape. Conventional LASIK captures 200 data points This can result in a smoother cornea and potentially reduce or eliminate the subtle visual symptoms some patients experience after LASIK, such as halos or glare
Clinical Outcomes
Clinical studies have shown promising results for Contoura LASIK.
In one study, 93% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), 65% achieved 20/16 or better UDVA, and 34% achieved 20/12.5 or better UDVA one year after the procedure (source).
Additionally, the procedure has been shown to result in a high degree of patient satisfaction due to the improved quality of vision and the elimination or reduced dependency on glasses and contact lenses.
Considerations
Not for Everyone: Not all patients are suitable candidates for Contoura LASIK. The procedure requires a detailed evaluation of the cornea’s shape and thickness, and not everyone will benefit from this level of customization.
Get Contoura LASIK with Dr. Matthew Swanic
Contoura LASIK represents a significant advancement in laser vision correction technology, offering a more personalized approach to treating refractive errors and corneal irregularities. Its detailed corneal mapping and customized treatment plans aim to provide patients with the highest possible quality of vision. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s important for potential candidates to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if Contoura LASIK is the best laser eye surgery option for their specific needs.