Contoura with Phorcides versus WaveLight Wavefront-Optimized LASIK for myopia with astigmatism

Comparison of Visual Acuity and Quality of Life Following Contoura With Phorcides Compared to WaveLight Wavefront Optimized LASIK

Not applicable Interventional Vance Thompson Vision · NCT05486546

This trial will test whether Contoura planned with Phorcides or WaveLight wavefront-optimized LASIK gives better vision and patient satisfaction for adults having LASIK for nearsightedness with astigmatism.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 38 Years
SexAll
SponsorVance Thompson Vision Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Bozeman, Montana and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05486546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults eligible for LASIK who meet corneal thickness and refractive criteria will undergo LASIK planned either with Contoura plus Phorcides planning software or with WaveLight wavefront-optimized planning. Each participant will receive one of the two planning approaches and be followed after surgery, including at least a 1-month postoperative visit. Measured outcomes include uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, refractive results, contrast sensitivity, and patient-reported satisfaction. Procedures are performed at Vance Thompson Vision sites in Bozeman, Omaha, and Fargo with enrollment limited to candidates meeting the listed inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥21 years) with myopia and astigmatism under 3.0 D, stable refraction, preoperative pachymetry ≥490 µm with sufficient residual bed, and otherwise healthy eyes.

Not a fit: Patients under 21, those with other ocular disease limiting visual potential, high astigmatism (>3.0 D), thin corneas (<490 µm), or unstable refraction are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help surgeons choose the planning method that yields better uncorrected vision and higher patient satisfaction after LASIK.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown that topography-guided approaches like Contoura can improve visual quality over wavefront-optimized LASIK in some reports, and early data on Phorcides planning are promising but not yet definitive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients at least age 21 years of age undergoing LASIK eye surgery
* Willing and able to comprehend informed consent and complete 1 month post-op visit
* Potential postoperative BCDVA of 20/20 or better in each eye based on Investigator's medical opinion
* Candidates for Contoura with Phorcides (Myopic, astigmatism \<3.0D)
* Both eyes targeted for plano
* Pre-operative total corneal Pachymetry 490um or above
* Stable refractive error \<0.50D change in preceding year
* Good general and ocular health
* Pre-operative exam completed within three months of surgery
* SCL discontinued 3 days prior to pre-op exam and the procedure
* Pachymetry above 490 with residual greater than 270um
* Candidates who, as determined by the investigator, can safely undergo LASIK

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 21 years of age
* Concomitant ocular condition which would limit the BCVA at the discretion of the surgeon
* Patients with usual relative and absolute contraindications for LASIK surgery (Patients with severe dry eye, recurrent corneal erosion, uncontrolled Glaucoma, collagen vascular disorders, keratoconus or signs of keratoconus, uncontrolled Diabetes, Herpes)
* Pachymetry below 490
* Autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases
* Pregnant or nursing women
* Patients with signs of inability to understand consent for study and procedure planned
* Patients with history of previous ocular surgery
* Patients with strabismus or amblyopia
* Patients that have a BCDVA of 20/25 or worse in either eye

Where this trial is running

Bozeman, Montana and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MyopiaAstigmatismVisual acuityRefractive outcomeLASIKContrast sensitivityWavefront OptimizedTopography-guided
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.