What is Contoura Vision?
Contoura Vision is an advanced laser eye surgery technology designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Unlike traditional LASIK, Contoura Vision goes a step further by mapping up to 22,000 points on the cornea to create a highly personalized treatment plan. This helps to provide sharper vision, reduce visual distortions like halos or glare, and improve night vision.
Different Types of Contoura Vision
Contoura Vision is a topography-guided LASIK procedure that offers personalized vision correction. While Contoura Vision itself is a specific type of LASIK, here are some variations and related procedures:
- Contoura LASIK: The standard procedure using topography-guided technology to map the cornea and correct refractive errors.
- Contoura PRK: A surface ablation procedure that uses topography-guided technology, ideal for patients with thin or irregular corneas.
- Custom Contoura: Some clinics offer customized Contoura procedures tailored to individual patient needs, incorporating advanced diagnostics and treatment planning.
When discussing Contoura Vision, it's often compared to or combined with other LASIK types, such as:
- Wavefront-Guided LASIK: Uses wavefront technology to map the eye's imperfections.
- Wavefront-Optimised LASIK: Maintains the natural corneal shape, reducing side effects.
These procedures aim to provide precise vision correction, but the best option depends on individual factors, such as corneal thickness, refractive errors, and personal preferences. Consult an experienced eye surgeon to determine the most suitable procedure for your needs.
Is Contoura Vision Safe?
Yes, Contoura Vision is considered safe and highly effective when performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. It is FDA-approved and has shown excellent results worldwide. Some safety aspects include:
- Precision Mapping: With detailed corneal mapping, the treatment is highly personalized, reducing risks.
- Better Visual Outcomes: Studies show improved clarity, contrast sensitivity, and reduced dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
- Minimal Side Effects: Compared to traditional LASIK, side effects such as glare, halos, or dry eyes are significantly reduced.
While it is safe, not everyone is an ideal candidate. A detailed eye examination by a specialist is essential before deciding on the procedure.
15-20 minutes per eye
Surgery Duration
Topical (numbing eye drops)
Anesthesia Used
Same-day Discharge
Hospital Stay
3 to 5 days
Full Recovery Timeline

Who Needs Contoura Vision?
Contoura Vision is recommended for people who want sharper, clearer vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It is especially suitable for adults with stable vision, healthy corneas, and those seeking a personalized, precise approach to laser vision correction.
What conditions does Contoura Vision treat?
Contoura Vision corrects several types of refractive errors and corneal irregularities, including:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by irregular corneal curvature
- Corneal Irregularities: Uneven corneal surface affecting visual sharpness
When would a doctor recommend Contoura Vision?
A doctor may recommend Contoura Vision if you have stable vision that has not changed significantly for at least a year, healthy corneas, and want a safer, more precise alternative to traditional LASIK. It is often suggested for patients seeking faster recovery, reduced glare and halos, and superior night vision.
Why is Contoura Vision Done?
Contoura Vision is performed not just to correct the eye's refractive power, but also to address corneal irregularities for sharper, more natural vision. The procedure is ideal for those looking to improve overall visual quality and reduce reliance on corrective lenses. Many patients choose Contoura Vision to achieve:
- Enhanced clarity and contrast of vision
- Faster visual recovery
- Reduced visual disturbances such as glare and halos
- Improved night vision compared to standard LASIK
It is recommended to get a second opinion from trusted eye specialists before proceeding to ensure the procedure is suitable for your eyes and lifestyle.
How to Prepare for Contoura Vision?
Proper preparation for Contoura Vision ensures the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. Following your surgeon's guidance is essential for safety and effectiveness.
How should I prepare before Contoura Vision?
To prepare for Contoura Vision surgery:
- Consultation: Meet an experienced refractive surgeon who performs Contoura Vision. Your eyes will be thoroughly examined, your medical history reviewed, and your corneal topography assessed to confirm you are a suitable candidate.
- Discuss Medications: Inform your surgeon about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Some medicines may need adjustment before the procedure.
- Stop Wearing Contact Lenses: Contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea. Stop using them before the surgery as advised: soft lenses usually one week before, toric lenses for astigmatism a few weeks prior.
- Follow Pre-Operative Instructions: Avoid eye makeup, lotions, and perfumes on surgery day. Follow any other specific instructions your surgeon provides.
- Arrange Transportation: You will not be able to drive immediately after surgery, so plan for someone to take you home.
- Plan for Recovery: Schedule a day or two of rest post-surgery and avoid demanding activities.
- Get a Good Night's Sleep: Being well-rested helps with comfort and recovery.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose, comfortable clothing makes the procedure more relaxing.
What tests are done before Contoura Vision?
Before the procedure, your surgeon may perform several tests to ensure safety and precision:
- Comprehensive eye examination to assess vision and ocular health
- Corneal topography to map the cornea for a personalized laser treatment plan
- Measurement of pupil size, refractive error, and corneal thickness
- Evaluation for any eye conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, or cataracts
Should I stop eating, drinking, or taking medicines before Contoura Vision?
- Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding fasting before the procedure. An empty stomach can prevent nausea during surgery.
- Continue or adjust medications only as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol or recreational substances for at least 24 hours before surgery to ensure safety.
Steps Involved in Contoura Vision Procedure
Contoura Vision, also called Topography-Guided LASIK, is an advanced laser eye surgery designed to provide highly personalized and precise vision correction. It corrects refractive errors and subtle corneal irregularities to improve overall visual quality.
What Will Happen During Contoura Vision Surgery?
The procedure is carefully structured to ensure safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes:
- Surgery Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably, and numbing eye drops will be applied to prevent discomfort.
- Flap Creation: A thin corneal flap is generated using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to access the underlying tissue.
- Laser Correction: While focusing on a target light, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue to improve vision.
- Corneal Mapping Guidance: The laser follows a detailed corneal topography map to correct both refractive errors and corneal irregularities.
- Flap Replacement: The corneal flap is delicately repositioned and naturally adheres without stitches.
- Post-Operative Check-up: Your surgeon examines your eyes to ensure proper alignment and addresses any concerns.
- Recovery Process: Protective eye shields may be used, and patients follow instructions regarding eye drops and limiting eye strain.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular appointments monitor healing and assess visual improvement.
- Treatment Duration: The laser portion takes only a few minutes per eye; the entire procedure including preparation and observation takes about two hours.
- Comfortable Procedure: The surgery is painless, although slight pressure may be felt during flap creation.
- Visual Enhancement: Many patients notice improved vision immediately, with stabilization occurring over a few days.
How is Contoura Vision Performed?
Contoura Vision uses a personalized approach to correct vision:
- Eye Examination: A thorough evaluation of refractive errors, eye health, and corneal topography is conducted.
- Corneal Mapping: Topography technology creates a precise map of the cornea, identifying irregularities beyond standard refractive errors.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the eye exam and corneal map, a customized plan is designed to correct both refractive errors and corneal imperfections.
- Laser Reshaping: Numbing eye drops are applied, and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea with high precision.
- Recovery and Follow-up: Post-operative care instructions are given, and follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and visual outcomes.
What type of anaesthesia is used during Contoura Vision Surgery?
The procedure uses numbing eye drops, keeping patients awake but comfortable throughout.
Who performs Contoura Vision?
Contoura Vision is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon trained in topography-guided LASIK. The surgeon may be assisted by trained staff for pre- and post-operative care.
Recovery after Contoura Vision Surgery Procedure
Recovery after Contoura Vision surgery (Topography-Guided LASIK) is generally quick, but following your surgeon's post-operative instructions is essential for optimal healing and the best visual outcomes.
What should I expect immediately after Contoura Vision Surgery?
- Mild discomfort such as a gritty sensation, burning, or tearing is normal and usually temporary.
- Eyes may be sensitive to light; wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear can reduce discomfort.
- Vision might be blurry or hazy initially but should improve within a few hours.
How long does recovery take?
- First 24 to 48 hours: Rest your eyes, avoid strenuous activities, reading, and screen time. Use prescribed eye drops as instructed.
- First few days: Vision may fluctuate; attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- First week: Light activities can be resumed, but avoid dust, wind, or potential eye injuries. Swimming and hot tubs should be avoided.
- First month: Gradually resume more strenuous activities like exercise or sports, as advised by your surgeon.
- Long-term: Most patients achieve stable vision within a few weeks to months. Visual clarity improves, and reliance on glasses or contacts may decrease.
When can I return to normal activities?
- Light activities can often be resumed within a day or two.
- Strenuous activities, sports, swimming, and hot tubs should only be resumed when cleared by your surgeon.
- Screen time, reading, and bright light exposure should be gradually increased to avoid eye strain.
Are lifestyle changes required after Contoura Vision recovery?
- Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent disrupting the healing flap.
- Follow medication instructions, including prescribed eye drops, to reduce infection and inflammation.
- Protect your eyes from dust, wind, and bright sunlight with sunglasses or protective eyewear.
- Limit intense physical activities like heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a few days.
- Take screen breaks and blink regularly to reduce eye strain.
- Avoid swimming and hot tubs until cleared by your surgeon.
- Limit makeup use around the eyes for the first week.
- Use lubricating eye drops to maintain moisture and comfort.
- Gradually ease back into normal activities while monitoring for discomfort.
- Contact your surgeon immediately if unusual symptoms, severe pain, or sudden vision changes occur.
Risks and Benefits of Contoura Vision
Contoura Vision is a safe and FDA-approved laser eye surgery, but like any procedure, it carries certain benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
What are the benefits of Contoura Vision?
- Enhanced Visual Clarity: Corrects both common refractive errors and subtle corneal irregularities, providing sharper vision than traditional LASIK.
- Minimized Glare and Halos: Reduces visual disturbances, especially in low-light conditions.
- Reduced Nighttime Vision Issues: Precisely treats the cornea to minimize night vision problems.
- Broader Range of Candidates: Suitable for individuals with high refractive errors or corneal irregularities.
- Long-Term Vision Improvement: Offers a more personalized approach to vision correction for lasting results.
What are the risks and complications of Contoura Vision?
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Rarely, vision may not be perfectly corrected and enhancement surgery might be needed.
- Infection or Inflammation: Though uncommon, any eye surgery carries a slight risk of infection.
- Flap Complications: As with LASIK, issues with the corneal flap may occur.
- Not Suitable for All Patients: Individuals with thin corneas, unstable vision, or certain eye conditions may be ineligible.
What are the side effects of Contoura Vision?
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness is common and may require lubricating eye drops.
- Glare and Halos: Some patients notice halos, glare, or starbursts around lights, especially at night.
- Visual Fluctuations: Vision may take a few days to stabilize during early healing.
Most side effects are temporary and resolve with time and proper care. Choosing an experienced surgeon and carefully following post-operative instructions significantly reduces risks and enhances recovery.
How much does a Contoura Vision Cost?
The surgery cost for Contoura Vision is not fixed and varies based on factors like the eye clinic, surgeon, and the complexity of your vision error, but generally ranges from approximately Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,25,000 for both eyes. An exact price is determined only after a thorough eye examination and consultation.