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![]() ![]() DLEK and DSEKDeep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK), is corneal transplant procedure that replaces only the damaged tissue instead of replacing the entire cornea. With this technique, the cornea heals much faster and vision is restored more quickly. DSEK, Descemet's Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty, is a newer procedure that's even less invasive. Only a thin membrane is removed before the new cornea piece is inserted. Dr. Cutarelli is one of only a handful of surgeons to have completed a full one-year training fellowship in refractive surgery, as well as a fellowship in corneal surgery. During your DLEK or DSEK procedureYour eyes will be numbed with an injection. A device will be placed around your eye to keep you from blinking.Dr. Cutarelli will gently remove the diseased cell layer lining the inner surface of your cornea, or the thin Descemet's membrane and the endothelium. He'll insert a folded piece of donor cornea through a small incision. He'll inject an air bubble into the eye to unfold the donor tissue and press it into place. The donor cells will quickly bond to your own cornea. After your DLEK or DSEK procedureDr. Cutarelli may ask you to limit some activities for several weeks following your surgery. You will probably need to use eye drops to help promote healing for several months.Risks and possible complicationsAs with any surgery, DSEK and DLEK surgery pose risks, such as rejection of the new cornea. Warning signs for rejection are decreased vision, increased redness of the eye, increased pain, and increased sensitivity to light. If any of these last for more than six hours, you should immediately call your ophthalmologist. Rejection can be successfully treated if medication is administered at the first sign of symptoms.Schedule your appointment at our Denver or Fort Collins office. 303-486-2020
Offering two offices to serve you in Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado,
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