About LASIK
Custom LASIK in Denver, Colorado
LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most common form of laser vision correction. It is also one of the safest and most effective. Hundreds of thousands of people have had LASIK, and Dr. Paul Cutarelli has successful performed more than 50,000 LASIK and PRK procedures.
LASIK works by creating a protective flap in the cornea. The flap is gentle folded back and a laser is used to reshape the cornea to improve vision. The flap is the carefully folded back into place where it will naturally adhere to the eye and heal without stitches. Then the cool beam of the excimer laser reshapes the cornea to the desired shape to bring your world back into focus.
LASIK takes only 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
If you are thinking of having LASIK then you need to first find out if you are a good candidate. You regular eye doctor can examine you and refer you to us or you can receive a free no-obligation comprehensive eye exam at Cutarelli vision.
During this exam the doctor will:
Examine your eyes to determine if they are normal and healthy.
- Measure the curvature of the corneas and the size of the pupils.
- Measure corneal thickness.
- Map the topography of the eyes.
- Discuss with you the best treatment options along with the benefits and risks involved and have you sign an informed consent form
- Answer any questions you may have.
Dr. Cutarelli uses state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to perform his evaluations to determine each patient's potential for good visual results.
LASIK is a very safe and effective procedure, but as with all surgeries there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these with you during your exam and will address any questions or concerns that you have.
Not a LASIK candidate? No problem, there are many alternatives to LASIK. At Cutarelli Vision we are more than just a LASIK clinic, we have the full range of treatment options that many other laser centers do not offer. Dr. Cutarelli performs Visian IOL Surgery, Phakic Implants, Premium IOLs and Refractive Lens Exchange. Ask us about your options.
PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) can effectively treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK uses an excimer laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to correct vision. The excimer laser is a cold laser that gently breaks the molecular bonds between cells to remove tissue in microscopic layers. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created and tissue is removed from the interior part of the cornea, PRK removes tissue from the surface of the cornea. With PRK it is possible to achieve normal natural vision without the need for glasses or contacts. PRK has a short recovery time of 3 to 5 days.
Schedule an appointment: 303-486-2020
"I would like to extend my appreciation to Dr. Cutarelli and
his staff for their excellence in customer service and care in perfecting
my vision. As a former NFL Chicago Bear and Buffalo Bill I would have
given anything to have had LASIK surgery and improved vision when I
was playing. I love not having to wear glasses anymore!!"
- Leonard Walterscheid, Former NFL Football Player (Chicago Bears & Buffalo
Bills)
- The Malouff, Gallegos, Padilla, Ruybal, Lobato and Gonzales families. Jerry Gallegos, Linda Gallegos, Lucinda Gallegos, Tony Gallegos, Valerie Gallegos, Louise Malouff, Philip Malouff, Ronnie Malouff, Stephen Malouff, Theresa Malouff, and Timothy Malouff
"I traveled from Detroit to have LASIK surgery with Dr. Cutarelli. It was the best thing that I have done for myself! My vision is fantastic and I recommend him fully."
- Tanya Knight, Pharmacist
- Tyler Dokken, Real Estate Broker, Colorado Realty
- Erin Zahradka, Broomfield, CO
- Linda Lane
"I was told about Dr. Cutarelli by my best friend's co-worker. I had been told I was either too old, or because of slight astigmatism, I was not a candidate for LASIK. To my delight, I came here and after an examination I found out that I qualified for CK. I had some anxiety, but the staff and Dr. Cutarelli made me feel very comfortable. The procedure took less than 2 minutes. My eyesight was improved the minute I sat up. It was amazing! I had a big smile on my face. The staff is great. The follow up care is also great. Very attentive. I was also impressed that Dr. Cutarelli himself checked on me afterwards. I recommend him to everyone!!"
Debi McFarlandFrequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Cutarelli have performing LASIK?
Dr. Cutarelli is one of the most experienced LASIK and vision correction specialists in the world. He has performed more than 60,000 LASIK and PRK procedures.
Will I have 20/20 vision after having LASIK?
After your initial LASIK exam, Dr. Cutarelli will help you get a realistic expectation of what your results could be. LASIK results depend on the technology used; the experience of the surgeon, and on the characteristics of each individual's eyes. More than 90% of patients see well enough after LASIK to pass the vision test for a driver's license, and more than half achieve vision that is 20/20 or better.
How long does it take to see results from LASIK?
Following your LASIK procedure you will need to have someone drive you home, but most patients achieve good vision on the day of their surgery. You can return to work the next day, however it is possible to experience mild fluctuations in your vision for two to three months. This is normal and will go away with time.
Is LASIK only for people who are nearsighted?
LASIK can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism..
Can LASIK treat astigmatism?
If the patient is a candidate for LASIK then yes, astigmatism can be treated.
Will I have to wear reading glasses after having LASIK?
LASIK does not cause premature loss of near vision. Patients under the age of 40 do not need reading glasses. Eventually, however, everyone will experience the normal loss of reading vision that comes with age, known as presbyopia. This condition occurs in everyone, with or without LASIK. You can choose to have your vision corrected with monovision, which corrects one eye for near vision and one eye for distance vision.
Does LASIK affect my night vision?
You may notice glare, halos or starbursts around objects in low-light conditions immediately following your procedure, but for the vast majority of patients, these affects diminish or disappear within six months. In fact, with the introduction of Custom LASIK, most patients see better after LASIK at night then they did wearing contacts or glasses.
Will LASIK cause dry eye?
It is important to be tested for dry eye syndrome before your procedure, because if you already have dry eye LASIK can make it worse. Most patients experience some dryness after their surgery, but patients are prescribed eye drops that keep your eyes moist until this subsides. For most patients this goes away with two months.
Are LASIK results permanent?
LASIK is a surgical procedure and the physical results are permanent. Your eyes can still change over time though and LASIK does not prevent eye conditions that are age related. However, when you have LASIK with Cutarelli Vision you can also receive free enhancements with our lifetime vision commitment whenever they may be needed, and for as long as it is medically safe.
Does LASIK hurt?
Before the procedure you are given a topical anesthetic in the form of eye drops to numb your eye. It is normal to feel some pressure during the procedure, but no pain. After the procedure some patients experience mild scratching of burning sensations, but this goes away after a couple of hours. Dr. Cutarelli recommends taking a nap for a few hours when you get home for surgery.
Is it safe?
LASIK is surgery, and as with any surgery there are risks. However the risk of complications from LASIK is low, and is lowered more if you have an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Cutarelli. Serious complications are rare and LASIK is considered safe. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1995, and was recently approved by NASA for its astronauts.
Can I still play sports if I have LASIK?
While you can resume most normal activities immediately after your surgery, you should avoid rubbing your eyes, wearing eye makeup, and swimming or hot tubs for two weeks. When playing competitive sports, or while in any situation where inadvertent contact is possible, safety glasses should be worn for the first two months after surgery.
Is LASIK covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies do not cover the costs of elective eye surgery. You will need to check with your insurance company to make sure. In most cases, however, the procedure can be covered by flexible spending accounts, and we also offer financing plans.
What options do I have if I am not a LASIK candidate?
Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK have many other options such as LASEK, epiLASIK, Intacs , and phakic intraocular lens implants. Dr. Cutarelli can explain these options to you as well as advise you as to which one is best for you following your free, no-obligation, comprehensive eye exam at Cutarelli Vision.
To schedule an exam at either of our Denver or Fort Collins offices call 303-486-2020.
