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DSEK

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 your eye surgeon of choice in Colorado for DSEK. He is one of only a handful of surgeons in the U.S. to have completed a full one-year training fellowship in refractive surgery as well as a fellowship in corneal surgery.

A conventional corneal transplant requires long periods of convalescence, sometimes upwards of 12 months for patients to enjoy good-stable vision. The traditional corneal transplant procedure requires multiple sutures and a lengthy post-operative recovery period until one reaches their final refraction and "best-corrected vision". Now, with the advent of DSEK, Dr. Cutarelli is able to make a small 1/4 inch incision in the eye and insert a partial thickness corneal transplant which requires only a single suture and several weeks for good recovery of vision.

Benefits of DSEK

• Stronger corneal integrity with less sutures
• Faster recovery and rehabilitation
• Reduced chance of corneal graft rejection
• Much improved vision: several weeks rather than several months

DSEK is specifically suited for patients who have posterior corneal diseases with endothelial dysfunction. Patients with corneal conditions such as Fuch's dystrophy, bullous keratopathy or failed prior corneal transplants are surgical candidates who may benefit from the DSEK technique.

If you think you may benefit from this procedure or know someone who may need a corneal transplant, please schedule a consultation today by calling:

303-486-2020

During your 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 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 surgery poses some 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

Procedures

LASIK, LASEK, EpiLASIK

Refractive Cataract Surgery

Pterygium Surgery

Intraocular Lens Implants

NearVision CK

Intacs Prescription Inserts

Corneal Transplant

DSEK

Offering two convenient locations to serve you in Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Paul Cutarelli and his refractive team guide patients through the most appropriate and effective procedures for their individual situations. Please call the following phone numbers for inquires, requests for further information, a brochure, or to arrange your free consultation: