Question 1

What is the difference between Contoura Vision and standard LASIK?

Accepted Answer

Standard LASIK corrects your eyeglass prescription (sphere and cylinder) using a standard ablation pattern — it treats what your optometrist measures. Contoura Vision goes further: a corneal topographer first maps 22,000 unique elevation points across your corneal surface, identifying tiny irregularities invisible to a standard refraction test. The excimer laser then uses this personalised map to smooth both your prescription AND those irregularities. The result: Contoura can deliver 6/5 'Super Vision' — one line sharper than the 6/6 standard — and measurably reduces higher-order aberrations that cause night halos and starbursts.

Question 2

How much does Contoura Vision cost compared to standard LASIK?

Accepted Answer

Contoura Vision costs approximately ₹85,000–₹1,15,000 per eye in India, compared to ₹35,000–₹60,000 for standard LASIK. The ₹25,000–₹55,000 premium covers the advanced topography-mapping technology (typically the Wavelight Topolyzer VARIO + EX500 platform by Alcon), the personalised ablation software, and the longer pre-operative workup. Neither procedure is covered by standard health insurance.

Question 3

Is Contoura Vision really better than standard LASIK?

Accepted Answer

Contoura Vision is measurably better in clinical studies: Alcon's FDA trial reported that 96.5% of Contoura-treated eyes achieved 6/6 or better, and 64% achieved 6/5 or better — roughly one line sharper than the average standard LASIK outcome. Contoura also reduces higher-order aberrations that cause night glare and halos. However, if your corneal topography already shows a very regular, smooth surface, the Contoura advantage narrows — and standard LASIK will still deliver excellent 6/6 vision at a lower cost.

Question 4

Who is a candidate for Contoura Vision?

Accepted Answer

Contoura Vision candidates must be ≥21 years old with stable refraction for ≥1 year, myopia up to −8D, astigmatism up to −3D, and corneal thickness ≥500 µm. Contoura is not suitable for patients with significant corneal scars, keratoconus, or irregular astigmatism from conditions like pellucid marginal degeneration. About 85-90% of standard LASIK candidates also qualify for Contoura — your surgeon confirms eligibility after a comprehensive pentacam and topolyzer scan.

Question 5

Does Contoura Vision eliminate night halos and glare?

Accepted Answer

Contoura Vision significantly reduces — but does not guarantee elimination of — night-vision disturbances. In Alcon's FDA trial, the percentage of patients reporting halos, glare, and starbursts was lower than in standard LASIK cohorts. This is because smoothing corneal irregularities reduces the light-scatter that creates halos. However, some patients, particularly those with large pupils (>7 mm in dim light), may still notice mild halos. Discuss your night-vision concerns during the pre-op consultation.

Question 6

If I already had standard LASIK, can I upgrade to Contoura?

Accepted Answer

Contoura Vision can be performed as a re-treatment (enhancement) if your original LASIK flap is intact, your residual refractive error is within range, and your corneal thickness is adequate. However, the primary benefit of Contoura — 22,000-point topographic mapping — is maximised on a virgin (unoperated) cornea. An enhancement after prior LASIK may still benefit from topography-guided ablation, but the 'Super Vision' result is not guaranteed. Your surgeon will assess via pentacam whether a topography-guided enhancement is safe and beneficial for you.

Feature	Standard LASIK	Contoura Vision
Mapping Points	None (Rx only)	22,000 corneal points
Correction Type	Refractive only	Refractive + topographic
Visual Acuity Target	6/6 (20/20)	6/5 'Super Vision'
Higher-Order Aberrations	Not addressed	Reduced in most cases
Night Vision Quality	Good	Superior (less glare/halo)
Suitability	Up to −8D, no corneal scars	Up to −8D, ≥ 21 yrs, stable Rx
Cost in India (approx.)	₹35,000 – ₹60,000	₹85,000 – ₹1,15,000
Procedure Time	~15 min/eye	~15 min/eye

Contoura Vision vs LASIK

Detailed comparison

Our verdict

Read next

Check If Your Insurance Covers This

Insurance coverage check

FAQs: Contoura Vision vs LASIK

Expert consultation

Check pricing