Understanding the Results of Topography-Guided LASIK
Many of our patients have questions regarding Contoura™ LASIK and how it differs from our wavefront-optimized LASIK procedure. We want to be a resource for patients on the specifics of Contoura™ and why it can provide such precise vision correction results.
A great place to start is taking a closer look at this study of topography-guided LASIK clinical outcomes that was published last summer in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery®. As the study references, topography-guided LASIK was already delivering impressive results during a 2016 trial designed to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Contoura™. Patients with normal eyes (without irregular astigmatism) experienced “excellent visual outcomes” post-operatively:
- 93 percent of eyes achieving 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA)
- 65 percent of eyes achieving 20/16 or better UDVA
- 34 percent of eyes achieving 20/12.5 or better UDVA
Alcon, the creator of Contoura™, also reported that 98.4% of patients who underwent Contoura™ LASIK would do it again. That certainly speaks to a strong vision correction result!
Reducing the Post-Operative Side Effects of Wavefront-Optimized LASIK
Because of the greater precision afforded by Contoura™, it has been shown to reduce the prevalence of some minor post-operative LASIK side effects. In a study of 230 eyes at 12 months post-op, researchers found the following:
- 5.2 percent decrease in light sensitivity
- 8.0 percent decrease in difficulty driving at night
- 8.7 percent decrease in reading difficulty
- 4.8 percent decrease in complaints of glare
- 3.2 percent decrease in halos
- 2.8 percent decrease in starbursts
We hope this data can help to illustrate the advantages of Contoura™ to those considering LASIK. Our team is also available to further explain the differences between Contoura™ and traditional wavelength-optimized LASIK. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how Contoura™ may directly benefit you and your unique vision correction needs.
