Contoura Vision Surgery - Procedure, Side Effects, Benefits

Contoura vision surgery, also known as topography-guided laser vision correction, is a type of laser eye surgery that uses advanced technology to create a personalised treatment plan for each patient. In this procedure, the cornea (the transparent front surface of the eye) is reshaped to address refractive defects such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and help enhance vision.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye

The eye is an organ that is responsible for vision. It is a complex structure consisting of many parts that work together to detect light and convert it into images sent to the brain. The eye can be divided into three main sections: The outermost layer, middle layer, and inner layer. These three layers make up the complex anatomy of the eye.

1. Conjunctiva, sclera, and cornea make up the eye's outer layer. Light is refracted and focused onto the retina by the cornea, which is the transparent front portion of the eye. 
2. The sclera is the white layer that covers and shapes the eye's surface. The conjunctiva, a transparent membrane, protects the eye's front portion and the eyelids' inside.
3. The iris, ciliary body, and choroid make up the eye's middle layer. 
4. The pigmented layer, known as the choroid, feeds the retina nutrients and oxygen. The ciliary body is in charge of managing the lens's shape for proper focusing. The coloured area of the eye that surrounds the pupil and aids in controlling how much light enters the eye is called the iris.
5. Retina, optic nerve, and vitreous humour make up the eye's inner layer. 
6. Light is converted into electrical signals by photoreceptor cells in the retina, which are then sent from the brain via the optic nerve. 
7. A gel-like substance called vitreous humour fills the centre of the eye and aids in keeping it in shape.

Contoura vision surgery is typically recommended for people over 18 with stable vision (meaning their prescription has stayed the same in the past year). It is generally most suitable for people with mild to moderate levels of:

1. Nearsightedness (myopia): This is a condition in which objects far away appear blurry because the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long, causing light to be focused in front of the retina instead of on it.
2. Farsightedness (hyperopia): This is a condition in which objects up close appear blurry because the cornea is either overly flat or the eye is too short, resulting in light's focus being behind the retina rather than on it.
3. Astigmatism: This is a condition in which the cornea is unevenly curved, causing light to be focused at two different points on the retina instead of one. This can cause vision to be blurry or distorted at all distances.

The best candidates for contoura eye surgery are people who:

1. Are in good health.
2. Do not have any underlying eye conditions that could affect the success of the surgery.
3. Do not have severe dry eye or other eye health problems.
4. Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
5. Are not pregnant or nursing.

It is crucial to remember that contoura eye surgery is unsuitable for everyone and might not be appropriate for those with specific medical concerns or eye disorders. It is essential to discuss the medical history and any underlying health conditions with the eye doctor to determine if contoura vision surgery is a suitable treatment option.

Contoura vision surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the patient's age and medical condition, it can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, which means that the area around the eye will be numb. The following steps will be performed during the contoura eye surgery.

1. Mapping the cornea: A special device creates a detailed cornea map, including its shape, contour, and surface. This information is then used to create a custom surgical plan for each eye.
2. Creating the corneal flap: The patient is given anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. The surgeon then creates a flap in the cornea using a femtosecond laser.
3. Reshaping the cornea: The surgeon uses the Contoura Vision laser to reshape the cornea based on the custom surgical plan. The laser removes precise amounts of tissue from the cornea to change its shape and improve vision.
4. Repositioning the corneal flap: After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the surgeon repositions the corneal flap back into place, covering the treated area. The flap bonds to the cornea on its own without the need for stitches.

The patient must have an appointment with the doctor before the contoura vision surgery, where the doctor will discuss everything related to the surgery.

Before Contoura Vision Surgery

Here are some things to consider before contoura eye surgery:

1. The ophthalmologist will conduct blood tests and physical examinations before, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements or herbs.
2. The patient must provide all the details about the medications the patient takes, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements or herbs.
3. The doctor may temporarily instruct the patient to stop wearing contact lenses before the procedure. This will allow the cornea to return to its standard shape and may be necessary for accurately measuring the prescription.

On the day of Contoura Vision Surgery

1. The patient must reach the hospital before the scheduled time.
2. The healthcare provider will ask the patient to sign the consent form.
3. The eye surface of the patient will be carefully mapped using a specialised camera. This information will create a personalised treatment plan for the surgery.
4. The patient will be asked to wear comfortable clothing and remove any makeup or jewellery. 
5. The patient must also bring one of their relatives to drive them home back post-surgery.
6. The patient must follow any other instructions the eye doctor provides, such as not eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day of the surgery.

After the contoura vision surgery, the patient must follow the eye doctor's instructions on caring for their eyes and what to expect during recovery. Here are some things to consider:

1. The recovery process at the hospital
2. The patient will be monitored for a short period after the surgery to ensure no complications.
3. The patient’s eye may be covered with a protective shield to prevent them from accidentally rubbing it. 
4. The doctor will also give instructions on caring for the eye and when to use any prescribed eye drops or medications.

Recovery process/expectation after hospital discharge

1. The patient must follow all the instructions provided by the doctor
2. The patient should avoid activities that may strain the eyes, such as reading, watching TV, or using a computer, for the first few days after the surgery.
3. The doctor may also advise the patient to wear protection over the eye at night for the first week after the surgery to protect the eye from accidental rubbing.
4. The patient must follow the doctor's instructions for using any prescribed eye drops or medications to help manage discomfort or prevent infection.
5. Avoid showering or swimming for at least a week after the surgery to prevent water from getting in the eye.
6. The patient must wear sunglasses when outside to protect the eyes from bright light and glare.
7. Avoid participating in contact sports or activities that could injure the eye for at least a few weeks after the surgery.

First follow-up appointment

1. The first follow-up appointment after contoura eye surgery is typically scheduled within a few days after the procedure. 
2. This appointment is an opportunity for the doctor to check the progress and ensure that the eye is healing properly.
3. During the appointment, the doctor will examine the eye and may perform some tests to check the vision. 
4. They may also adjust the eyeglass or contact lens prescription if needed.

It's essential to attend all follow-up appointments as recommended by the doctor. These appointments are an integral part of the recovery process and can help ensure that any problems are detected and addressed promptly.

Contoura vision surgery is a laser vision correction procedure that aims to improve vision by reshaping the eye's cornea, the clear front surface. Some potential benefits of contoura vision surgery include:

1. Improved vision: The surgery can help to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
2. 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 people experience little discomfort after the procedure and recover quickly enough to resume regular routines.
3. Long-lasting results: The results of contoura surgery are generally long-lasting. However, some people can experience a gradual decline in vision over time due to natural ageing or other factors.
4. Enhanced quality of life: For many people, contoura eye surgery can improve the ability to see clearly and participate in activities that may have been difficult or impossible with glasses or contact lenses. This can enhance their overall quality of life.

Like any medical procedure, contoura vision surgery has associated risks and complications. Some potential risks and complications of contoura vision surgery include:

1. Dry eye: Some people may experience dry eye after the surgery, which can cause discomfort and reduced tear production. This can usually be managed with artificial tears or other treatment options.
2. Infection: There is a small risk of infection after the surgery, which can be treated with medications.
3. Corneal scarring: In rare cases, the laser used in the surgery may cause scarring on the cornea, affecting vision.
4. Under correction or overcorrection: The surgery may not correct the refractive error as much as desired, requiring additional treatment, glasses, or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision. In rare cases, the surgery may correct the refractive error too much, causing vision to be worse than before the surgery.
5. Flap complications: In some cases, the flap of tissue created during the surgery may become displaced or wrinkled, affecting vision.
6. Visual aberrations: Some people may experience visual aberrations, such as halos or starbursts, after the surgery. These are usually temporary and resolve over time.
7. Regression: In some cases, the surgery results may decline over time due to natural ageing or other factors.

There are generally no risks associated with delaying contoura surgery as long as the patient is in good overall health and has no underlying eye conditions that could affect the procedure's success. However, in rare cases, it can lead to risks such as:

1. Progressive vision deterioration: Delaying surgery can result in worsening the refractive condition, the need for stronger corrective lenses or an increase in the amount of tissue that needs to be removed during the procedure.
2. Increased risk of complications: The longer a patient delays surgery, the greater the risk of developing other eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration.
3. Decreased surgical options: Delaying surgery may limit the options for vision correction in the future. 
4. Missed opportunities: If a person has a refractive error and delays the surgery, he/she may miss out on the benefits of clear, natural vision.

The cost of contoura vision surgery in India can range from ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 65,000. This cost range depends on several factors, including:

1. Age of the patient.
2. Other medical conditions that the patient has.
3. The technique and equipment used.
4. Location of the surgery centre.

In conclusion, This procedure is designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Contoura vision aims to produce a more natural and accurate correction of the cornea, leading to improved vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that usually only takes a few minutes. 

However, there are risks associated with any surgery, such as dry eye, glare, halos, and visual changes. Your eye doctor should be consulted about these risks and any other worries you may have to help you decide if contoura eye surgery is the best option.

If you or your loved ones have doubts associated with contoura vision surgery, contact our team of experts at HexaHealth. Our expert team of doctors can consult you and provide you with the proper treatment. Get in touch with us TODAY!