Contoura Vision Surgery- Diagnosis, Procedure & Recovery

What Are The Diagnostic Tests Performed Before Contoura Vision Surgery?

Before undergoing contoura vision eye surgery or any LASIK surgery, it’s important to undergo a series of diagnostic tests. These tests help determine if you are eligible for the surgery and ensure your eyes are healthy. The diagnostic tests may include the following:

• Refraction test: This diagnostic test measures the current prescription to determine the degree of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) that needs to be corrected. The eye surgeon does a rigorous refraction checkup at the beginning, followed by a comparison with a cycloplegic refraction. Having the results of both checkups helps the doctors to identify specific conditions in patients like hyperopia, myopia, etc.
• Contrast sensitivity test: This test is conducted to determine the patient’s functional vision level. Tests like the Hamilton Veale Contrast Sensitivity Test and Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity Test are used to determine the level of functional vision.
• Corneal topography: Corneal topography forms a 3D map of the cornea’s surface. This mapping is essential for contoura vision surgery, as it guides the laser in reshaping the cornea accurately. This test helps detect a variety of corneal irregularities. 
• Pupil size measurement: This test is conducted to determine the pupil size in the dark. The size of the pupil can be measured way better in the darkness with dedicated devices. This test is important because people with larger than usual pupil sizes may experience glares or halos after contoura vision eye surgery.
• Pachymetry: In this test, the thickness of your cornea is measured to ensure that there’s enough tissue for the reshaping process. Thin corneas may not be suitable for contoura vision.
• Tear film evaluation: This test examines the quality and quantity of your tear film to ensure that your eyes can maintain proper lubrication post-surgery.
• Dry eye assessment: Before contoura vision eye surgery, an evaluation is done to determine if you have a pre-existing dry eye condition, as surgery can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms.
• Wavefront analysis: The wavefront testing procedure helps point out the abnormalities that are categorized as highly critical. Contoura vision surgery cannot be performed on people with more eye irregularities.

The results of these tests, along with a consultation with your eye surgeon, will determine whether you are a good candidate for contoura vision surgery. It’s vital to have a thorough evaluation to ensure your safety and the success of the surgery.

What Are The Benefits Of Contoura Vision Surgery?

Contoura vision surgery offers numerous advantages for people seeking vision correction. These benefits include the following:

• Accurate customization: Contoura vision uses cutting-edge mapping technology to design a highly personalized treatment plan for the patient. This precision ensures that each patient’s unique corneal abnormalities are addressed properly, leading to more customized vision correction.
• Enhanced visual acuity: Many patients experience improved vision following contoura vision eye surgery. This includes reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses for activities like driving, reading, or working on a computer.
• Reduced glare and halos: Contoura vision surgery is known for reducing or eliminating nighttime glare and halos that some patients encounter with glasses or contact lenses. This can lead to better night vision and overall visual comfort.
• Quick recovery: Contoura eye surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Most individuals experience little discomfort after the contoura vision procedure and recover fast enough to resume their everyday routines.
• Minimized risk of dry eye: In comparison to traditional LASIK surgery, contoura vision may carry a lower risk of aggravating dry eye symptoms. Some patients with mild dry eye problems may even find their symptoms improved after the procedure.
• Long-lasting results: The results of contoura vision surgery are typically long-lasting. However, some individuals can experience a gradual decline in vision over time due to natural aging or other factors.
• Enhanced quality of life: For many individuals, contoura eye surgery can enhance the ability to see clearly and participate in activities that may have been difficult or impossible with glasses or contact lenses. This can improve their overall quality of life.

How To Prepare For Contoura Vision Surgery?

Here are some ways to help you prepare before contoura vision eye surgery:

• Provide a comprehensive medical history, including any current medications, allergies, and existing eye conditions to your ophthalmologist. This is because certain medicines may need to be adjusted or discontinued before surgery.
• Prior to any medical procedure, it is crucial to consume more water unless otherwise advised by your ophthalmologist. Consuming plenty of water before your contoura vision surgery will help you stay hydrated and speed up your recovery after surgery. A dry eye is a frequent adverse effect of contoura vision. Increasing your water intake is an easy approach to keeping your eyes moist. If your surgery has already been scheduled, then start drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. It will help you hold the optimum hydration required for the best outcomes.
• If you wear contact lenses, you will need to switch to glasses for a specific time before surgery. The duration may differ depending on the type of contact lenses you use, so follow your surgeon’s recommendations.
• On the day of surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home due to the effects of anesthesia. Arrange for a friend or family member who can help you reach home.
• Your surgeon will provide certain instructions to follow after the surgery, which may include avoiding alcohol and discontinuing certain medicines. Follow these post-operative instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize potential complications.
• On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head. In addition, bring any essential personal items, such as insurance information and a list of medications.
• Avoid using lotions, heavy makeup, and perfumes on the day of your contoura vision surgery. On the morning of surgery, take a shower and ensure that your face is free of impurities. 
• Plan to take a few days off work to allow for adequate rest and recovery. Your surgeon will provide guidelines on when you can resume everyday activities.
• Relax and take some deep breaths before your surgery so that you can remain calm and collected throughout the procedure.

What Are The Post-Operative Tips To Follow After Contoura Vision Surgery?

Here are some tips to follow after contoura vision (contoura LASIK) surgery:

• Use prescribed medications: Use prescribed eye drops or medicines exactly as your surgeon directs. These medications help prevent infection and encourage healing.
• Avoid a polluted environment: You should avoid a polluted environment after your contoura vision eye surgery. Dust and dirt, if they enter the eye, increase the risk of infection. You should also stay away from smoke or avoid exposing yourself to smoke.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can increase the risk of infection. 
• Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear at night to prevent accidental rubbing or bumping of your eyes while you sleep.
• Avoid playing contact sports: You should avoid playing contact sports for a few weeks after your surgery. 
• Do not perform the exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise a few weeks after contoura vision surgery as it may impart more strain on eye muscles. 
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help heal and prevent dry eyes.
• Avoid swimming and hot tubs: Stay away from swimming pools, hot tubs, and any water activities that may expose your eyes to potential pollutants during the early stages of recovery.
• Always wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyes from harmful radiation. Further, after the contoura vision surgery, your eyes would be extra sensitive to bright light. Wearing sunglasses for a few days after surgery makes you more comfortable in sunlight.
• Avoid makeup: Avoid using eye makeup near your eyes for a few weeks after surgery to prevent irritation.
• Reduce or completely avoid television: Avoid watching the screen for a few weeks after surgery, as it may cause eye strain.
• Communicate with your surgeon: If you experience intense pain, sudden vision changes, or any concerning symptoms, contact your surgeon instantly. Prompt communication can prevent potential complications.

Remember that recovery times can vary from individual to individual. Still, most people can expect a significant improvement in their vision within the first few days to weeks after contoura vision surgery. Following these recovery tips can help ensure a successful and complication-free healing process.

What Are The Risks And Complications Associated With Contoura Vision Surgery?

Contoura vision eye surgery, like any surgical procedure, is associated with some risks and complications. While it is considered safe and effective for correcting vision problems, it’s essential to be aware of these potential risks before surgery. In addition, it’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and weigh the benefits against the potential complications. Some of the risks and complications associated with contoura vision surgery include the following:

1. Corneal ectasia: In very rare cases, counting for about 0.3%, the patient suffers from corneal ectasia, post contoura vision surgery. It is a medical condition in which the cornea becomes weakened and bulges out, leading to vision distortion. This type of situation occurs when a high amount of nearsightedness requires correction or when the patient’s cornea is thinner than the average.
2. Dryness and redness of the eye: This is majorly considered a temporary phenomenon but could stretch for a longer period, depending on case to case. Patients can suffer from dryness and red-eye post their contoura vision surgery if their evaluation or testing before the surgery was not done correctly. If the patient continues to suffer from dryness or redness in the eye for a longer time, this means an unidentified problem has not been appropriately diagnosed before the surgery.
3. Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of eye infection after surgery. This can lead to redness, pain, discharge, and impaired vision. 
4. Flap complications: The probability of occurrence of flap complications after contoura vision surgery in patients is extremely low for about 2 in 1000 patients. These complications include irregular fragmented flaps, buttonholes, partial flaps, etc.
5. Undercorrection or overcorrection: In some cases, the surgery may not achieve the expected level of vision correction. This can result in undercorrection (where you still need glasses or contacts) or overcorrection (where you may need additional surgery or treatment to restore the vision).
6. Halos and dual vision: Halos is a problem that happens due to the scattering of the light caused by the fluid present in the newly treated cornea. If the problem persists in patients for a long period after surgery, it becomes a serious concern and will need immediate attention. The extended problem may be a result of induced abnormalities by lasers or if the surgery was not centered accurately.
7. Irregular astigmatism: In some possibilities, the surgery may cause irregular astigmatism, which can lead to distorted or blurry vision. Additional treatments may be necessary to address this issue.

It’s important to note that most contoura vision surgeries are successful, and most patients experience significant improvements in their vision without experiencing severe complications. However, the risk of complications differs depending on numerous factors, such as the person’s eye health, the surgeon’s skill, and the technology used during the contoura vision procedure. Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is also important in minimizing the risks and achieving the best possible result.

What Are The Lifestyle Changes Required After Contoura Vision Eye Surgery?

Here are some lifestyle changes to follow after contoura vision eye surgery:

• Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection when outdoors, as your eyes may be more sensitive to sunlight after surgery. UV protection helps prevent eye damage and lowers the risk of complications.
• Give your eyes time to rest and recover, particularly during the first few days. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting, contact sports, swimming, etc. that may strain your eyes.
• Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These appointments are important for observing your progress and addressing any surgery complications.
• Keep the eyes lubricated using artificial tears, as dryness can increase the risk of corneal abrasion, inflammation, and other side effects. 
• If you are in an environment with strong winds or dust, consider wearing protective eyewear, like wrap-around sunglasses or goggles, to prevent foreign particles from entering your eyes.
• A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can enhance overall eye health. Foods containing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may encourage healing and decrease inflammation.
• Follow your surgeon’s advice on when it is safe to resume driving after surgery. You’ll often need someone to drive you home after contoura vision surgery.
• If you smoke, consider quitting or at least avoiding smoking in the weeks leading up to and after your surgery. Smoking can decelerate the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
• Limit screen time, mainly during the first few days after surgery, to minimize eye strain and dryness. Follow the 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes) if you need to use screens for a longer period.

What Is The Contoura Vision Surgery Cost In India?

Contoura vision cost in India ranges from Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1,05,000. However, several factors can impact the overall contoura vision surgery cost in India. Some factors that influence the cost include the following:

• Location of the clinic/hospital: The cost of medical procedures can differ by region within India. Major cities and metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc., tend to have higher living and operational expenses, resulting in higher costs of contoura vision surgery.
• Surgeon’s experience and reputation: Highly experienced and reputable eye surgeons often charge more. However, their experience contributes to better surgical results.
• Technology and equipment: The use of cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment may increase the cost of the procedure. 
• Quality of the healthcare facility: The quality and reputation of the clinic or hospital where the surgery is performed can influence the contoura vision cost. Healthcare facilities that offer better services and comfortable experiences may charge higher costs for surgery.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care: The total contoura vision cost may include pre-operative assessments, post-operative check-ups, and any necessary prescriptions or eye drops. Ensure you understand what is included in the quoted price.
• Patient’s eye condition: The complexity of your vision correction needs can influence the overall cost of surgery. More severe refractive errors may need additional surgical steps, which can increase the contoura vision surgery price.
• Customization: Contoura vision surgery is known for its customization based on the patient’s unique corneal topography. Personalized treatment plans may incur extra charges.

Is Contoura Vision Surgery Covered Under Insurance?

Contoura vision surgery, like other refractive eye surgeries such as LASIK, is covered under insurance when considered medically necessary. If you have a medical condition like keratoconus, which causes severe irregular astigmatism and impairs your vision, your insurance provider might consider contoura vision eye surgery as a medically necessary treatment to enhance your visual function. In some cases, contoura vision may be deemed medically necessary if you have already undergone cataract surgery or other eye surgeries, and refractive error correction becomes essential to achieve the functional vision.

However, even if your surgery is deemed medically necessary, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles or copayments, depending on your insurance plan. Always contact your insurance company to understand your specific case and obtain precise information about your coverage options and requirements.