LASIK stands for Laser-in-situ-keratomileusis. It is a surgery that uses the very sophisticated technology of an excimer laser to gently reshape the cornea. This allows images to be more sharply focused on the retina thereby producing better vision without glasses or contacts.

Da Vinci Z-LASIK is the newest generation of blade-free LASIK technology. The first step in every LASIK procedure is the creation of a thin corneal flap. Z-LASIK lifts the outer corneal surface using a thin pocket of air to separate the corneal surface from the underlying collagen.

Dr. Bernitsky has used blade-free LASIK technology since it’s introduction in the US many years ago, and was the first to introduce Intralase to New Mexico.  Da Vinci Z-LASIK represents a significant advancement in blade-free technology in that it is a much more energy efficient femtosecond laser.  The change from Intralase to Z-LASIK is a quantum leap from a 60 Hz laser to a 1,000 Hz laser.  This improved energy efficiency results in extremely accurate treatments, shorter treatment times, faster visual recovery, and fewer side effects.

The method for lifting the outer corneal surface that was used prior to the approval of blade-free technology involved the use of an instrument called a keratome and blade.  Most LASIK complications involve the use of the keratome. 

Choosing the right Doctor for your Laser vision correction is a very important decision. By choosing an experienced surgeon who uses only the most advanced technology available, you can be certain you will get the best possible results and minimize the risk of problems. Dr. Bernitsky has performed thousands of LASIK procedures and is the first and only New mexico physician to offer his patients the new state-of-the-art blade-free, all-laser LASIK known as Z-LASIK.

Your physicians credentials are important as well. Dr. Bernitsky is a Board certified Ophthalmologist and received fellowship training in Advanced corneal surgery at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. Make sure your surgeon will be available to you before and after your surgery. Dr. Bernitsky will be there for all of your care, before and after your LASIK procedure. Dr. Bernitsky is available 24 hours a day to address your concerns.

With today’s sophisticated laser technology most people who currently wear glasses or contacts can benefit from Lasik. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all be corrected. You must be at least 18 years of age, and have otherwise healthy eyes. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate for Laser vision correction is to come in for a complimentary consultation. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Dr. Bernitsky, have a very thorough eye exam, and ask all the questions you may have.

Dr. Bernitsky is the only New Mexico LASIK surgeon to offer the combination of Da Vinci Z-LASIK with both the Zyoptix 100 and Visx S4 with IR excimer lasers. Each of the excimer lasers has unique advantages in specific situations. Dr. Bernitsky will help you choose the laser that will give you the best possible results.

Myopia, or nearsightedness occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina. This will cause you to have trouble seeing objects at a distance, but you may be able to see up close without your glasses. Many people have myopia and astigmatism. Lasik can help correct these conditions.

Hyperopia, or farsightedness occurs when light rays focus behind the retina. This will cause you to have more trouble seeing images up close. Hyperopia can also occur in combination with astigmatism, and both can be corrected with Lasik.

Astigmatism is an irregularity in the shape of the cornea resulting in objects being distorted or blurred at all distances. Even fairly large amounts of astigmatism can be treated with the Bausch and Lomb Technolas laser.

Yes. When Lasik surgery is performed on people with stable vision the results appear to be permanent.

The eyes are numbed using anesthetic drops prior to the procedure. There is no pain during the procedure. Most people report some scratchiness or mild discomfort for 1-4 hours after the procedure.

If you’re over 45, or currently wearing bifocals or reading glasses over your contacts, chances are you’ll still need reading glasses after Lasik. There is an alternative for some patients called monovision. Dr. Bernitsky will discuss these options with you at the time of your consultation.

Monovision is a correction in which one of your eyes is corrected For near vision and the other eye is corrected for distance. Monovision is commonly accomplished using contact lenses and can be created surgically with Lasik. Monovision isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more, come in for a free consultation.

Most people are able to return to work the day after the procedure. As a convenience many of our patients schedule their procedure on Fridays to allow them the weekend to recuperate. If Friday isn’t the best day for you, we’ll schedule your procedure on a day that’s most convenient for you.

Yes. We have many financing plans available that can results in payments as low as $75/month. Interest free financing is available for up to 18 months. Many people like to use a combination of financing and other payment methods. We accept all major credit cards, cashier’s checks or cash. Contact the following websites for easy application and more information about payment plans:

The best way to answer all of your questions is to call and come in for a free consultation.  You’ll have a very thorough eye exam, and time to discuss all of your questions with Dr. Bernitsky.  Give us a call today at 323-0800, or email us at info@bernitsky.com