LASIK Denver Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com Information about LASIK in Denver, Colorado Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:33:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=8120 Cataract Surgery Denver http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/03/30/cataract-surgery-denver/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/03/30/cataract-surgery-denver/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:44:22 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=108 Cataract Surgery Denver

A lifetime of Vision

Out of all of our five senses, our eyes are the most important. As we age, our eyes go through various changes.

Age 0-17

The first few years

When they are young, some children will obtain their very first pair of glasses. Their prescription will often change, resulting in frequent updates [...]]]>

Cataract Surgery Denver

A lifetime of Vision

Out of all of our five senses, our eyes are the most important. As we age, our eyes go through various changes.

Age 0-17

The first few years

When they are young, some children will obtain their very first pair of glasses. Their prescription will often change, resulting in frequent updates to their corrective lenses.

As teenagers, most kids are excited by the fact they’ll be able to turn in their bulky glasses for a much more convenient alternative such as contact lenses.  Unfortunately, contact lenses can cause cornea abrasions, infections or scarring if they are not taken out regularly or slept in.

Age 18-39

Adult Vision

In adulthood, vision stabilizes around the ages of 18 and 21. When this happens, an even better alternative to glasses is available, LASIK laser vision correction.  LASIK laser vision correction has made enormous advancements over the past decade including Custom LASIK, All-Laser LASIK, Gentle LASIK®, LASEK and Epi-LASIK.

Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. There are some wonderful and exciting alternatives, including the PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy), the Visian® ICL and the Veresyse® phakic IOL lens implant.

Age 40+

Trouble Reading?

Around the age of 40, most people start to develop presbyopia, the eyes inability to focus on near objects, such as reading a newspaper.  At first, people try to hold objects further and further away, until eventually the length of their arms can’t accommodate their sight. Thankfully, vision correction technology can improve this condition. Today, eye doctors offer near vision solutions such as mono-vision LASIK, CK (conductive keratoplasty), multifocal and accommodative lens implants that allow patients to regain their up close vision with little or no dependency on reading glasses or bifocals.

Age 55+

Cataracts are a clouding of the eyes natural lens. Nearly everyone will develop this eye condition, as they grow older.  The beginning signs are glare or trouble while driving at night, fading of colors and loss of vision. Today, surgeons remove cataracts when they begin to form, instead of waiting for them to fully mature like they did years ago. Cataract surgery typically takes less than 10 minutes to perform, requires no stitches and recovery time is fast.

In addition to modern day cataract surgery in Denver, some select surgeons offer amazing alternatives to standard cataract surgery. High-tech lens implants such as Crystalens®, ReSTOR®, ReZOOM® and Technis® allow cataract patients to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery.  These hi-tech implants allow patients to virtually, “see young again!”

Cataract Surgery Denver

LASIK Denver

Dr. Paul E Cutarelli MD
]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/03/30/cataract-surgery-denver/feed/ 0 Pterygium Denver Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/02/02/pterygium-denver-colorado/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/02/02/pterygium-denver-colorado/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:09:12 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=73 Information on Pterygium Surgery in Denver Colorado

Do you have something that looks like skin growing on your eye?

Does it get red and irritable?

If so, you might have a pterygium.

A pterygium is defined as a growth of the clear, thin tissue that lays over the white part of the eye (conjunctiva). It is usually related [...]]]> Information on Pterygium Surgery in Denver Colorado

Do you have something that looks like skin growing on your eye?

Does it get red and irritable?

If so, you might have a pterygium.

A pterygium is defined as a growth of the clear, thin tissue that lays over the white part of the eye (conjunctiva). It is usually related to overexposure to sun and dusty, arid conditions. It isn’t normally a major problem until it begins to affect sight or becomes a discomfort. Many patients will have a pterygium removed for cosmetic reasons.

The growth is painless, but can sometimes grow red and irritated. Topical eye-drops or ointments may be used to help reduce the inflammation.  A pterygium can be easily diagnosed through a visual examination from your ophthalmologist.

Once the pterygium begins to interfere with sight, it should be removed surgically. There are several different surgical methods for removal. One method is called an auto-graft. The pterygium is removed and the gap left behind is filled in with tissue taken from the underside of the upper eyelid. The conjunctiva tissue is kept in place with stitches that will either dissolve on their own, or be removed later by a surgeon. This method is effective, but because of the use of stitches, it can be more uncomfortable than other methods.

Another method is the no-stitch auto-graft. In this method the eye is numbed and the pterygium is removed. Afterwards, the normal conjunctiva tissue is attached in place with a state-of-the-art tissue adhesive. This allows for a quick recovery time without stitches. The eye will return to a normal appearance in about 2-3 weeks.

As a cornea specialist in Denver Colorado, Dr. Cutarelli has specialized in pterygium treatment for years. The staff at Cutarelli Vision will walk you through your pterygium removal surgery step-by-step and ensure that you receive the best care and outcome possible .

Cataract Surgery Denver

LASIK Denver

Dr. Paul E Cutarelli MD
]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/02/02/pterygium-denver-colorado/feed/ 0 LASIK Options Denver, Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/01/09/lasik-options-denver-colorad/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/01/09/lasik-options-denver-colorad/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:01:46 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=70 LASIK Options Denver

One of the most common questions we get at our practice is, “Is there anything you can do about my near vision?” Most adults think that reading glasses are the only solution to poor near vision.

Presbyopia is a condition we all get as we age and the eye’s natural lens looses flexibility.  [...]]]>

LASIK Options Denver

One of the most common questions we get at our practice is, “Is there anything you can do about my near vision?” Most adults think that reading glasses are the only solution to poor near vision.

Presbyopia is a condition we all get as we age and the eye’s natural lens looses flexibility.  It usually starts around the age of 40, as we begin to hold objects further and further away to read, until we run out of arm length and require reading glasses.

The good news is Dr. Paul Cutarelli of Cutarelli Vision in Denver, Colorado and Fort Collins, Colorado specializes in near vision correction. Reading glasses are not the only solution for presbyopia.

Monovision LASIK

Monovision is performed by using laser vision correction technology to reshape the surface of the cornea to allow the non-dominant eye to see up close, while leaving or correcting the dominant eye for distant vision. This can also be achieved by the use of contact lenses.  At Cutarelli Vision, we always have our patients try monovision contact lenses for a few days or a few weeks to see how well they adapt, before performing LASIK.

Nearvision CK

Nearvision CK is another form of Monovision, but instead of using a laser, CK uses radio waves to reshape the cornea. Although we can still perform CK, in most cases, monovision LASIK is the better solution.

Multifocal and Accommodative Lens Implants

Lens implant technology has really come along way over the past 20 years, but truly amazing things have happened in the last few years.

Today, we can replace the eye’s natural lens, which looses flexibility over time, with state-of-the-art premium lens implants. Premium lenses allow patients to see clearly near, far and in between. These lenses allow patients to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses altogether.  We typically wait until patients are over the age of 50 before performing this procedure.

As the eye’s natural lens ages, the lens can get a cataract, which will eventually happens in most adults. Often, if we see patients that show the beginning signs of cataracts, we’ll choose this procedure over monovision LASIK. Today, about 50% of our cataract patients select a premium lens implant over the older standard lens implant, which allows patients only a limited range of clear vision, even though the standard lens is typically covered by insurance and the premium lens is not.

If your over the age of 40 and desire to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses or bifocals, then call Cutarelli Vision to schedule a FREE near vision consultation.

Denver Location (303) 486-2020 www.denverlasik.com

Fort Collins Location (970) 225-2300 www.fortcollinsvision.com

Cataract Surgery Denver

LASIK Denver

Dr. Paul E Cutarelli MD
]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2010/01/09/lasik-options-denver-colorad/feed/ 0 Miracle of Denver’s LASIK Technology http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/12/18/lasik-denver/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/12/18/lasik-denver/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:52:31 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=60 It’s been over 600 years since the explorer Marco Polo discovered glasses on a voyage to Asia. In the 1700’s another revolutionary breakthrough: Benjamin Franklin designed bifocals-for the first time people could see in the distance and up close with only one pair of glasses!

Vision correction has come a long way [...]]]> LASIK Colorado It’s been over 600 years since the explorer Marco Polo discovered glasses on a voyage to Asia. In the 1700’s another revolutionary breakthrough: Benjamin Franklin designed bifocals-for the first time people could see in the distance and up close with only one pair of glasses!

Vision correction has come a long way since then, and in many ways. A recent FDA study showed that 98% of LASIK patients saw 20/20 or better, and 70% saw better than 20/20!

This technology for LASIK is in Denver and Fort Collins! Dr. Paul Cutarelli has committed himself to bringing his LASIK patients in Denver and Fort Collins the most advanced LASIK technology in Colorado. That’s why Cutarelli Vision offers the Wavelight Allegretto and the Visx Star S4 with IR and Intralase. Combined with Dr. Paul Cutarelli’s training and experience, this technology allows his patients who have LASIK in Denver and Fort Collins to achieve the best possible results, often 20/20 or better.

LASIK only takes about 5 minutes to perform and has corrected millions of American’s bad vision. It has become so safe and precise it was approved by NASA for their astronauts and the military for their pilots. Ten years ago, if you didn’t have good vision, it didn’t matter how good of a pilot you were; your career as a military pilot was pretty much over before it started. Today with LASIK in Fort Collins and Denver, you can fly!

Last week, Dr. Cutarelli performed LASIK eye surgery in Fort Collins on a 30-year old woman who has worn glasses ever since she was two years old. Her vision the very next day was 20/15, which is even better than 20/20. During her one-day post-op visit, she told Dr. Cutarelli that the procedure was quick and easy; in fact, it took about the same amount of time to have LASIK as it did to put her contacts in. She woke up and saw the alarm clock clearly for the very first time! Dr. Cutarelli performed Custom LASIK on the Boulder Colorado resident, a LASIK procedure that not only corrects for nearsighted, farsightedness and astigmatism, but also for something called higher order aberrations or scattered light abnormalities in the eye. Custom LASIK offers improved night vision over tradition non-custom LASIK and is tailored to each individual’s unique visional imperfections.

Sorry Marco, I think glasses might become a thing of the past!

Dr. Cutarelli offers free consultations to individuals interested in Laser Vision Correction at his locations in Denver and Fort Collins.
For Denver, call 303-486-2020 and Fort Collins, 970-225-2300.

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/12/18/lasik-denver/feed/ 0 First in Denver to Implant nanoFLEX Lens http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/29/denver-nanoflex-lens/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/29/denver-nanoflex-lens/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:21:11 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=55 Cataract Surgery Denver, Colorado

Denver-Ft. Collins Ophthalmologist First in Colorado to Implant nanoFLEX Lens New Technology Turns Back the Hands of Time for Cataract Patients’ Vision

DENVER, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ — A Denver ophthalmologist recently became the first in Colorado to implant a special type of lens during cataract surgery, raising the bar for patient care in [...]]]>

Cataract Surgery Denver, Colorado

Denver-Ft. Collins Ophthalmologist First in Colorado to Implant nanoFLEX Lens
New Technology Turns Back the Hands of Time for Cataract Patients’ Vision

DENVER, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ — A Denver ophthalmologist recently became the first in Colorado to implant a special type of lens during cataract surgery, raising the bar for patient care in the state while increasing the quality of life for his patients.

Dr. Paul Cutarelli, director of Cutarelli Vision in Denver and Fort Collins, said he implanted an advanced nanoFLEX lens in October in the eye of a 70-year-old man whose cataracts in his left eye were so bad he couldn’t read any more. Manufactured by STAAR Surgical, the revolutionary lens offers better quality of vision at night, filters ultraviolet light and is made of a high-tech material so close to the human lens that it’s easily tolerated by the eye, greatly lowering inflammation complications.

His patient was a retiree who didn’t want to lose his active lifestyle, one that includes riding his Harley with his girlfriend, Cutarelli said. “He waited until I got on his insurance plan,” Cutarelli said. “He didn’t want anyone else to do the cataract surgery and wanted to have good reading vision in that eye.”

The procedure in the patient’s left eye took about 10 minutes, during which Cutarelli removed the bad lens and replaced it with the implant. Just a few hours later, the patient called the doctor from home and told him he could read clearly and saw better out of his left eye than his right one. The news was part of what makes the doctor’s work so rewarding. And the special lens has a very high patient satisfaction rate, he said.

“It’s fantastic to work with patients like this because I can help them stay active. This is a quality of life issue. Without this lens, this guy wouldn’t be able to live the full life that he enjoys.”

The procedure is just one of many “firsts” for Cutarelli in Colorado. He also was the first to use the lens in northern Colorado at his Fort Collins practice. That surgery also took place in October. His patient is a Wal-Mart greeter whose vision is now 20/20 and saw vibrant colors for the first time in many years. He was also the first to use Intacs to fight keratoconus, a disease that causes debilitating astigmatisms and fluctuating vision problems in patients. Intacs are plastic rings implanted under the eye’s outer most layer, the cornea, and correct its distorted shape caused by pressure problems associated with the disease.

Cutarelli has also done a great deal of published research, always staying abreast of the newest trends and technologies in vision correction. He was a coinvestigator during more than 15 FDA clinical trials for excimer lasers, the biggest developments in laser vision surgery to appear in the last decade. His work has also appeared in numerous scientific publications reviewed by his peers, including Ophthalmology and Current Eye Research, as well as several book chapters on laser eye surgery.

An expert in correcting refractive and presbyopic problems, Cutarelli has performed more than 60,000 LASIK and LASEK procedures in Colorado. He’s one of only a few who’ve had one-year fellowships in refractive and corneal surgeries, including transplants, and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Before he opened his practice in Denver, Cutarelli directed refractive surgery and was an assistant ophthalmology professor at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. There, he founded the hospitals’ refractive surgery fellowship training program. And he taught medical students at his alma mater, Case Western Reserve University.

His expertise has been sought after internationally, at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Al Noor Hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

www.denverlasik.com

www.fortcollinsvision.com

Source: Cutarelli Vision

CONTACT:
Cutarelli Vision
7887 E Belleview Ave
Denver (Englewood), CO 80111
(303) 486-2020

SOURCE Cutarelli Vision

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/29/denver-nanoflex-lens/feed/ 0 LASIK in Denver, Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/20/lasik-denver-colorado/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/20/lasik-denver-colorado/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:00:28 +0000 Lasik Consultant http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=3 LASIK in Denver Colorado at Cutarelli [...]]]> Cutarelli Vision in offers premier quality LASIK in Denver, Colorado!

Are you tired of wearing glasses that weigh heavy on your nose? Do you keep your glasses in your pocket and only put them on if you really have to see something? Do you need to put your contacts in to find your way around from morning til night? Well then, you might want to consider having LASIK in Denver Colorado at Cutarelli Vision!

What is LASIK? Basically, it is computer-driven laser correction of the eyes achieved through a remodeling (sculpting) of the cornea. About 2/3 of the focusing power of the eye is through the cornea (the outer, dome-shaped, transparent cover over the iris, pupil, anterior chamber, and lens of the eye). When your vision is less than optimal, it is because the focus point of the image ends up in front or behind the retina. Think of the retina as a screen and the cornea as the lens of a projector. When the projected image is too far away or too close up, the image is blurred. The same thing happens when the cornea is not the right shape: the image is blurred.

LASIK (which stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the term used to describe the type of refractive eye surgery used to correct the following conditions:

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Explanation: The image viewed is focused by cornea to a point in front of the retina. This is usually depicted as having an eyeball that is too long.
Resulting Effects: objects up close (nearby) appear clear but distant objects are blurred.

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Explanation: The image viewed is focused by the cornea to a point behind the retina. This is usually depicted as the eyeball appearing too short.
Resulting Effects: Near objects appear blurry and distant objects are clear (except in extreme cases, when both are blurred).

Astigmatism

Explanation: The image viewed is blurred or distorted due to the cornea’s inability to bring the image into a sharper focus. This has to do with an error in refraction caused by two or more focal points in different planes.
Resulting Effects: Blurring of the object viewed, most commonly in a skewed or crooked manner. If you think a picture is hanging straight when everyone else says it’s crooked, you might have astigmatism.

LASIK vision correction is done using a computer-driven laser, by ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are EYE SPECIALISTS who treat medical conditions of the eye and its’ surrounding structures with corrective lenses, medicines, and surgery). LASIK surgery is for those who wish to correct their vision without the use of corrective lenses (glasses) or contacts. What’s the difference between LASIK, LASEK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Radial Keratotomy (RK)? They are all refractive surgery, done to correct vision. This surgery procedure aims to ‘remodel’ the cornea (outer transparent layer of the eye), reshaping the curvature to cause the focus to be in the proper place on the retina. Healing time generally takes up to a year but can take longer. In most cases, the pain goes away within 1-2 weeks.

Radial Keratotomy (RK)
Radial Keratotomy involves the use of a diamond blade to cut radial lines in the cornea. These lines are cut from the edge of the pupil, to the edge of the iris.The procedure can result in very slow healing and increased risk of infections. Due to ‘epithelial plugs’ (outer layers of epithelium that get dragged deep into the cornea), scattering of light occurs. The effect of scattering is most noticeable during night driving and may result in blindness in some severe high-altitude conditions.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK or PK)
In this procedure, the outer layer of the cornea is completely removed by the laser as the cornea is resculpted. The outer layer then grows back over the remodeled cornea.

LASEK
(Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) is used when the cornea is too thin or at too much of an angle to use LASIK. LASEK may involve the use of a blade—in addition to the laser–in some cases. The shape of the anterior cornea is resculpted with the laser after the outer layer of the cornea is detached. This outer layer is then replaced and allowed to heal. Healing generally takes longer with this procedure and it tends to involve a little more pain during recovery than LASIK procedures.

LASIK
A thin flap of the cornea is excised with a laser and folded over, allowing for remodeling of the tissue underneath. After remodeling, the flap is repositioned and the cornea is allowed to heal naturally. Complete healing can take up to a year or more.

Now that you have the basics about what conditions are corrected by LASIK, how about the process of getting the surgery done?

The Consultation:

Your vision, health, and condition of your eyes are evaluated by your physician to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Measurements (a mapping of the eye by computer) are taken and financial arrangements are made. The Informed Consent is a document you will sign that names the exact procedure that will be done. Your physician and staff at Cutarelli Vision will discuss the procedure, possible risks and contraindications, and expected outcome. When you feel that you understand these points, sign the consent form. At this time, you really must tell the physician about any allergies you have to medications.

Pre-op:

Since LASIK is done as an outpatient surgical procedure, you should have a friend or family member drive you there…don’t expect to be driving yourself home (your vision might not be clear enough until your eyes have healed). It may seem that you can see, but don’t take the chance on driving since your depth perception will be impaired for a bit.

The Surgery:

Usually one eye is done with the other eye done a week or more later. Medication is given to numb the eye, so the procedure is painless.

The Procedure:
Once positioned for the surgery, you will be awake for the procedure. With the computerized laser (which can take thousands of repositioning measurements per second and doesn’t fire until everything lines up), a flap is created on the exterior layer of the cornea. This flap is folded back while another computerized laser vaporizes some parts of the underlying cornea, sculpting it to the proper shape for correct focus. The flap is then replaced and sealed to the surrounding corneal tissue. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and our physicians can give you some pre-op medication to relieve anxiety if necessary.

Post-op:

Post-surgical Instructions:
Have someone else drive you home. Avoid straining the eyes for at least a week, to ensure proper healing. Especially avoid actually rubbing the eyes, as this could result in dislodging the flap before it is healed. For the first day, it is best to just rest, with eyes closed (if one eye moves, as in watching TV, the other moves with it, even if covered with an eye patch).

Follow-up phone call and visit:
A staff member of Cutarelli Vision will telephone you in the next 24 hours to check on your progress. A follow-up visit is usually scheduled for 1-2 days after the surgery, and then regular visits to check healing and visual acuity are needed for at least the next few months. Medication is usually provided (analgesic eye drops) for discomfort that might be experienced for a few days after the surgery. Pain is usually mild and lessens every day. The whole procedure is quick, painless, and effective. Most patients are pain free in a few days.

The caring staff at Cutarelli Vision offers LASIK in Denver, Colorado and is dedicated to helping you achieve great vision without glasses or contacts; contact them today to find out how we can help you!

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/10/20/lasik-denver-colorado/feed/ 0 Candidate for LASIK in Denver Colorado? http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/09/20/candidate-lasik-denver-colorado/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/09/20/candidate-lasik-denver-colorado/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:31:06 +0000 Lasik Consultant http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=18 Those who have received LASIK Laser Eye Surgery or Custom LASIK Laser Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado, often find that life without glasses and contacts can be truly life altering. LASIK Eye Surgery is the most successful type of laser eye surgery for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK has proven to be a [...]]]> Those who have received LASIK Laser Eye Surgery or Custom LASIK Laser Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado, often find that life without glasses and contacts can be truly life altering. LASIK Eye Surgery is the most successful type of laser eye surgery for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK has proven to be a highly effective and safe method of vision correction.

LASIK New Jersey As with any surgery, there are certain people who should not have LASIK. It is imperative that a potential laser vision correction candidate has obtained a stable prescription for at least one year.  Good candidates for LASIK in Denver, Colorado are at least 18 years of age, in good general health, and have no eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. A free consultation with your LASIK doctor in Denver, Colorado is the best way to determine if you are a candidate.  Your Denver ophthalmologist will follow these guidelines when considering your candidacy for LASIK. For safe laser eye surgery, the LASIK candidate must meet the following requirements:

  • The ideal LASIK candidate must be at least 18 years old. This is to ensure that the eye has developed properly and matured,
  • Vision must be stable for at least one year prior to surgery,
  • The ideal LASIK candidate must have sufficient corneal thickness (the cornea is the transparent front part of the eye). A LASIK patient should have a cornea that is thick enough to allow the surgeon to safely create a clean corneal flap of appropriate depth.
  • The ideal LASIK candidate must be affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive error – myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision caused by an irregular shaped cornea), hyperopia (farsightedness), or a combination thereof (e.g., myopia with astigmatism).
  • A LASIK candidate may not be nursing or pregnant on the date of surgery, and must wait at least two menstrual cycles before being measured for surgery.
  • Individuals with dry eye syndrome are not good LASIK candidates.
  • No eye infection or injury within the past year.
  • Candidates may not be affected by an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren’s Syndrome or Lupus.
  • No history of herpes infections in the eye, as LASIK may bring on a recurrence of the infection.
  • No scarring may be present on the cornea to be considered for LASIK.
  • Individuals with pupils that dilate beyond seven millimeters in the dark are not good candidates for LASIK.
  • Are adequately informed about the benefits and risks of the procedure. Candidates should thoroughly discuss the procedure with their physicians and understand that for most people, the goal of refractive surgery should be the reduction of dependency on glasses and contact lens-es, not their complete elimination.

The ideal LASIK candidate is free of eye diseases including keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases, and free of certain eye viruses including herpes simplex and herpes zoster. The ideal LASIK candidate is free of certain health problems including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease, and any medication or condition that affects the patient’s autoimmune system.

The ideal LASIK candidate informs his or her eye doctor of all eye problems including lazy eye, muscle imbalance, previous eye surgery or injury, severe dry eyes, or any recurrent, residual or active eye conditions. The ideal LASIK candidate should also relate to the eye doctor information about keloid scarring, back problems, and any psychological problems, which may affect the surgery or recovery.

Since hormones may affect the stability of your prescription, women who are pregnant or nursing not LASIK candidates until two menstrual cycles after nursing has been discontinued. This is to limit fluctuations in prescription that can occur with hormonal shifts.

LASIK does have risks that one needs to fully understand in order to make an informed decision about whether or not it is worth having for you as an individual.  A comprehensive examination and consultation with your LASIK surgeon in Denver, Colorado is the best way to insure that you will experience your best possible results.

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/09/20/candidate-lasik-denver-colorado/feed/ 0 Should You Have LASIK in Denver? http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/08/21/should-you-have-lasik-denver/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/08/21/should-you-have-lasik-denver/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:30:42 +0000 Lasik Consultant http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=33 Should You Have LASIK?

We cannot decide for you. But you will probably decide to have LASIK laser eye surgery if you desire a reduced dependency on glasses and contact lenses, and you are prepared to take a well-informed risk with the health of your eyes.

What you need to know:

LASIK is an operation on your [...]]]> Should You Have LASIK?

We cannot decide for you. But you will probably decide to have LASIK laser eye surgery if you desire a reduced dependency on glasses and contact lenses, and you are prepared to take a well-informed risk with the health of your eyes.

What you need to know:

LASIK is an operation on your eye that is irreversible. It is often described as a treatment, and sounds nothing more innocuous that a visit to the dentist. This is not exactly the case, despite what the marketing says – while it is true that LASIK is relatively quick and painless compared to other types of laser eye surgeries, it is STILL surgery, and there is a list of potential complications.

What Are The Long-Term Risks?

Put simply, no one knows the very long-term implications of LASIK laser eye surgery (i.e. beyond 10 years or so) on the health of eyes that have undergone it. Some cases of corneal ectasia have been reported – this is an abnormal bulging of the cornea, due to it being weakened by LASIK. However, at the moment this only appears to be a problem if you have had LASIK for a very high prescription, e.g. for myopes around -10. There is also a lot of division over whether the flap created in LASIK Surgery ever really does heal to the point where the eye is as strong as it was before the procedure. LASIK laser eye surgery is still a relatively new procedure, around 10 years old, and to an extent some of the bugs are still being ironed out. It is important for this reason, that you take your time to choose a eye surgeon who is experienced.

LASIK Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado

LASIK surgery is a booming business, and it is becoming more popular in Denver, Colorado. Treatments here have been in the millions. If you are thinking of getting laser eye surgery, here are a few guidelines to start with.

  • Before visiting any eye surgery clinic in Denver, Colorado, DO RESEARCH on what questions to ask them. The key questions to ask the laser eye surgeon are about your pupil size and corneal thickness. Both of these factors are very important in selecting what type of laser eye surgery you require.
  • PRK, the older type of laser eye surgery is becoming less common, but it is still just as effective as LASIK laser eye surgery for low prescriptions, and avoids any potential complications with the flap. A newer version of PRK laser eye surgery, called LASEK laser eye surgery is now being performed.
  • Get at least TWO different consultations with different laser eye surgery clinics and beware of any contradictory things you hear. Get clarification.
  • Be realistic about your result. If you have a high prescription, there’s a chance you’ll need a second enhancement surgery.
  • Treatments for far-sightedness, while generally effective for low amounts (and not so effective for higher amounts), have a considerably longer recovery time than for near-sighted treatments.
  • Don’t fall for the marketing hype. LASIK laser eye surgery has made the majority of people very happy, but is still surgery. And there are a number of documented examples of where it has gone horribly wrong. It is up to you to get the facts and make a decision based on them.
  • Read as much as you can on this site! It will give you an idea of what to expect, before, during and after your LASIK experience. And if you do decide to go through with it, please post your experience here, we’d love to hear from you.

And Finally

We wish you the best of luck!

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/08/21/should-you-have-lasik-denver/feed/ 0 Laser Vision Correction in Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/02/23/laser-vision-correction-colorado/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/02/23/laser-vision-correction-colorado/#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:41:22 +0000 Lasik Consultant http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=23 State of the Art Cornea and Laser Vision Correction Practice Opens in Denver and Fort Collins Colorado.

DENVER and FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Cutarelli Vision is celebrating its Grand Openings in Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado. Both locations offer the most advanced vision correction technology including the Allegretto Wave, the Visx S4 [...]]]> State of the Art Cornea and Laser Vision Correction Practice Opens in Denver and Fort Collins Colorado.

DENVER and FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Cutarelli Vision is celebrating its Grand Openings in Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado. Both locations offer the most advanced vision correction technology including the Allegretto Wave, the Visx S4 with CustomVue, and All Laser Intralase. Every member of their team is highly trained and their ophthalmologist, Dr. Paul E. Cutarelli, is one of the most experienced cornea and refractive specialists in the United States.

The staff at Cutarelli Vision offers a wide range of procedures including LASIK, DSEK, cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and many others to help give their patients the clear, healthy vision they want. Cutarelli Vision uses the safest, most advanced technology to perform all of their procedures. This includes not only advanced laser technology for refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK, but also the very best in diagnostic systems, intraocular lenses (IOLs), and implantable contact lenses (ICLs).

Dr. Cutarelli has extensive training and expertise and is highly capable of treating corneal diseases and conditions of all kinds. He is one of only a handful of refractive surgeons to complete a full one-year fellowship specifically in refractive surgery, as well as a fellowship in corneal training. He is one of the nation’s most experienced vision correction specialists, having performed over 50,000 refractive procedures. Dr. Cutarelli completed his ophthalmology residency at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Wilmer Eye Institute. He has consulted nationally as a cornea expert, authored numerous scientific papers and book chapters, and participated in a number of FDA clinical trials.

“When I opened Cutarelli Vision I wanted to bring Colorado a cornea and refractive practice that is focused on quality patient care. I also knew that it was important to not only invest in the latest technology, but also in staff training and new techniques in medicine.”

Paul E. Cutarelli, MD

Cutarelli Vision offers its patients nothing but the best quality in everything from the technology they use, to the people who make up their caring team. Whether you have a small problem or a big one, you can count on the staff at Cutarelli vision to give great care and great results.

Call or visit one of their two convenient locations in Fort Collins and the Denver LASIK Center.

303-486-2020

970-225-2300

]]> http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2009/02/23/laser-vision-correction-colorado/feed/ 0 LASIK Recovery Denver Colorado http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2008/06/14/lasikdenver-colorado/ http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/2008/06/14/lasikdenver-colorado/#comments Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:53:31 +0000 Dr. Lasik http://www.lasikdenvercolorado.com/?p=94 LASIK Recovery

LASIK Denver centers often boast immediate results after surgery. While LASIK surgery takes less than 15 minutes to perform and most patients experience improved vision immediately, complete LASIK surgery recovery can take up to six months as vision takes some time to stabilize following surgery. The recovery time is necessary for healing and [...]]]> LASIK Recovery

LASIK Denver centers often boast immediate results after surgery. While LASIK surgery takes less than 15 minutes to perform and most patients experience improved vision immediately, complete LASIK surgery recovery can take up to six months as vision takes some time to stabilize following surgery. The recovery time is necessary for healing and to gain the best results. Every patient’s eyes are individual, as is their recovery after LASIK in Denver.

Although LASIK Denver complications can occur, most vision correction patients are able to return to work and other daily activities the day after the procedure. Most patients are incredibly happy with the results from LASIK. There is usually little to no postoperative discomfort after LASIK surgery and follow-up exams during recovery are required to ensure that your eyes heal properly. You may be required to wear a protective shield over your eyes for the first night or two following your LASIK procedure. It is recommended that you go to sleep right after LASIK surgery to reduce post-operative pain. When you wake up, you should already notice improved vision.Your doctor may also instruct you to take antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or moistening eye drops, and to wear dark eyeglasses if you experience sensitivity to bright lights. It may take up to 6 months to fully recovery from LASIK surgery Denver, Colorado.

Some minor vision anomalies are normal post surgery. For a short period of time after LASIK it is often reported one experiences ghosts, halos, starbursts, regular or irregular astigmatism, and reduction in clarity. Over time, from as little as a few weeks to as much as six months, these complications generally dissipate as the eyes fully adjust and heal. If these complications continue beyond six months, it is important to see your Denver eye doctor to determine whether the effects will be permanent.

The general process for LASIK and similar types of laser vision correction Denver surgeries are:

* Day 1 post op. – Most people are able to return to their normal daily routine. It is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions, including the use of antibiotics, steroids and other drugs preventing dry eye syndrome. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, or getting water, soap, or shampoo directly in the eyes (for example in the shower). Working on the computer, watching television and reading is acceptable, provided that the eyes are kept lubricated, and there is no excessive strain on the eyes. Moderate exercising is ok, but you should avoid getting sweat in the eyes.

* One week post op. – It is still advised to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes. Pools, hot tubs and whirlpools should also be avoided. Follow your doctor’s specifications for using lotions, creams, eye makeup, etc.

* Three weeks post op. – Outdoor activities may be resumed, with proper care and protection for the eyes (sunglasses, goggles, etc.).

* 3 to 6 months post op. – This is generally the appropriate amount of time for your vision to stabilize. The health of your vision is directly dependent on following the utmost care instructions given by your doctor in order to heal properly. Should any complications or anomalies still be present, it is important that you tell your doctor.

To learn more about Denver LASIK surgery, and to see if you may be a candidate, visit your Denver ophthalmologist for more information.

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