Laser Vision Correction Surgery (LASIK)  can be used to treat nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia), and astigmatism with the goal of reducing or eliminating dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK uses the computer-controlled precision of the Excimer laser to treat the inner tissue of the cornea.
All LASIK (Laser Vision Correction) procedures are done using eye drop anesthesia, and while you may feel pressure, the technique is generally not painful. You may return to most regular activities the day following your LASIK (Laser Vision Correction) Surgery.  

The LASIK Flap can be made by 2 different methods- The first and most common method is using an instrument known as a microkeratome makes a protective flap in the outer layer of the cornea, at about twenty-five percent of its depth from the surface. Use of the microkeratome is the most commonly used method for making a lasik flap prior to the laser being applied during your LASIK surgery. This methodology has been highly refined over the years. 

Intralase (I-LASIK) is the second method for creating your LASIK flap. I-LASIK uses an advanced technology called Intralase to create your LASIK flap. This breakthrough computer controlled technology with its unique Intralase software provides remarkable accuracy allowing Dr Bliss to control the depth and shape of your flap needed for your LASIK surgery. The Intralase technology can be used with all LASIK procedures. However there are certain patients whom eyes demonstrate characteristics such as corneal shape and thickness that may make Intralase assisted LASIK (I-LASIK) a better safer choice. Dr Bliss will advice you what the best option is for your eyes.

The Laser Dr Bliss chooses to use is the state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 IR Excimer Laser to sculpt the internal corneal tissue to correct the refractive power by reshaping the curvature of the exposed corneal tissue. The protective flap is then repositioned and seals itself over the treated area. Due to the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, stitches are not required.

Wavefront LASIK utilizes Wavefront-guided LASIK technology to customized your laser vision correction surgery to address individual visual system errors. This specialized method allows highly precise and detailed mapping of vision impairments, so an exact amount of corneal tissue is removed precisely were it needs to be, providing more accurate results. Unlike standard LASIK, which only corrects near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, Wavefront LASIK can also correct higher order aberrations.

Higher order aberrations may affect a patient's quality of vision, causing glare, halos, and decreased contrast sensitivity, complications more common to standard LASIK. Because these higher order aberrations can be corrected with Wavefront LASIK, the risk of LASIK complications is reduced. Many of our patients in our Sacramento clinic choose to undergo Wavefront LASIK because it is the safest method of treatment in vision correction surgery.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction procedure for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. PRK is similar to LASIK except that a tissue flap is not created. The laser treatment is done on the surface of the eye after removing the outer layer of cells. The Wavefront technology can be utilized for patients electing to undergo PRK in the same manor that it is used for LASIK. PRK is suitable for people whose corneas are too thin or too curved to be a good candidate for any type of LASIK treatment.  Ultimately, patients can expect the same visual outcome with PRK as they can from LASIK but should plan on a longer recovery period following PRK surgery. Dr Bliss will discuss what Laser Vision Correction surgery is the best choice for your eyes.