Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK
How many LASIK procedures has Dr. Cutarelli performed?
Dr. Cutarelli has performed more than 40,000 LASIK procedures. He is one of the most experienced LASIK and vision correction specialists in the United States.
Will my vision be 20/20 after LASIK?
The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate dependency on glasses or contacts. More than 90% of LASIK patients are able to see well enough to pass their driver's exam following their surgery. More than half achieve vision that is 20/20 or better. Your results will depend on the technology used to correct your vision, the experience of your surgeon and also the characteristics of your individual eyes. Following your LASIK exam, Dr. Cutarelli can help you set realistic expectations for results.
Will my vision be better immediately after LASIK?
You will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery and return to work the following day. However, your vision can fluctuate mildly for two to three months.
Does LASIK surgery correct only nearsightedness?
LASIK can now correct farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, as well as nearsightedness (myopia).
Is LASIK a good treatment for astigmatism?
Yes. As long as patients meet the criteria for LASIK, astigmatism is very well treated with LASIK.
If I have LASIK, will I still have to wear reading glasses?
Patients who have LASIK do not need to wear glasses unless they're over the age of 43. LASIK does not cause premature loss of reading vision. Eventually, everyone experiences a normal aging of the eye which causes loss of reading vision, known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients choose to have their vision corrected so they have monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. This can delay the need for reading glasses.
Will LASIK affect my night vision?
Immediately after your procedure, you'll probably notice glare, halos or starbursts around objects in dim or low-light conditions. For the vast majority of patients, these effects diminish within six months.
Will my eyes be dry after LASIK?
If you have dry eye syndrome, LASIK may make it worse. That's why it's important to be tested for dry eye before your procedure. Most LASIK patients experience some dryness immediately following their procedures. Dr. Cutarelli will prescribe drops to keep your eyes moist until this subsides, usually within the first two months.
Are the results achieved from LASIK permanent?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that permanently removes tissue to reshape your eye in order to improve your vision. The physical results are permanent. However, your eyes can still change over time and LASIK does not prevent age-related eye conditions that may affect your vision.
Will it hurt?
Before your procedure, you will be given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb your eye, so the procedure will not hurt. You will probably feel some pressure as a vacuum is applied to your eye. For several hours after your procedure, you may experience some scratchiness or mild burning. Dr. Cutarelli will recommend that you take a nap for the first 2 to 3 hours after LASIK.
Is LASIK safe?
According to several large studies, there is approximately a 2% intra-operative and 3% post-operative complication rate. Most of these complications are minor and do not result in loss of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity or interfere with vision long term. The rate of severe complications is substantially less than 1%. You should keep in mind, though, that LASIK is surgery, and there are risk with any surgical procedure.
Can I play sports after LASIK?
You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you should avoid rubbing your eyes, eye makeup (eyeliner and eyeshadow), and swimming and hot tubbing. You should wear safety glasses when performing competitive sports, or in any situation where inadvertent contact is possible for 2 months.
If I'm not eligible for LASIK, are there other options available to me?
There are a number of options, such as LASEK, EpiLASIK, Phakic intraocular lens implants, Intacs and CK, now available for patients who aren't good candidates for LASIK.
Will my insurance pay for LASIK?
Probably not. Most insurance companies will not pay for elective eye surgery. However, you should check with your employer to be sure. In many cases, the cost of the procedure can be covered by flexible spending accounts. We also offer financing plans.
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.
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