DLEK and DSEK
Deep 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 procedure
Your 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 procedure
Dr. 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 complications
As 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.Denver LASIK Surgeon Paul E. Cutarelli, M.D. has improved the vision of more than 50,000 patients in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas.
Call 303-2020 PLUS to schedule an appointment at our Denver or Colorado Springs office.| Procedures |
| LASIK, LASEK, EpiLASIK |
| Refractive Cataract Surgery |
| Pterygium Surgery |
| Intraocular Lens Implants |
| NearVision CK |
| Intacs Prescription Inserts |
| Corneal Transplant |
| DSEK |
