This is one of the types of LASIK, which is topo-guided LASIK in previously untreated eyes. Like in all other lasik procedures, flap here can created with blade or with laser (femto/intralase). Contoura has been branded and attributed with a unique feature of offering customized corneal correction, depending on your corneal map, with potential of offering the best visual outcome for your eyes, though with a flap.

So what if there is a flap?

The flap is a semi circle form of incision made on cornea using either a microkeratome blade or by using laser. This is about 18 to 20 mm in size. Once the flap is made, the surgeon lifts this flap to expose the cornea for laser treatment and after laser is given the surgeon carefully places the flap back to its original position.

There have been instances where flap gets dislocated after few months or even years of surgery due to some injury or even minor accident. This could happen due to improper healing of the flap. While this is a rarity, patients these days want to avoid even minimal risks in long run. More so when other convenient options are available. Alongside, flap cutting procedure tampers with the biomechanical strength of cornea. The natural strength of cornea remains weakened even after the flap heals. Flap also indicated higher chances of dry eyes compared to flapless procedures like SMILE.