Macular degeneration is an eye disease that is the most common cause of blindness, especially in Caucasians who are 65+ years old. It affects over 10 million people in the United States. This is more than glaucoma and cataracts put together. The condition is caused by deterioration of the central part of the retina, which is called the macula. This part of the eye controls central vision and, thus, enables people to read, drive, see the fine details of objects and recognize colors or faces. While patients with advanced macular degeneration still have some peripheral vision, they are legally blind.
Types of Macular Degeneration
Atrophic or “dry” macular degeneration is the most common type and affects 85 to 90 percent of patients. In the “dry” type, small, yellow deposits called drusen form under the macula and eventually cause it to become abnormally thin and dry.
In exudative or “wet” macular degeneration, new and abnormal blood vessels called choroidal neovascularization (CNV) start to grow under the retina and macula. The blood vessels sometimes leak fluid that causes the macula to bulge, and that bulging distorts the patient’s central vision. The “Wet” form of the condition tends to progress more quickly than the “dry” one.
Stargardt disease is a rare type of macular degeneration caused by a genetic defect. Unlike the other types, which affect older people, Stargardt disease affects children and teenagers. It is usually diagnosed in youngsters who are between six and twenty years old.
How is the Condition Treated?
While there is currently no cure for macular degeneration, there are treatments that can slow the disease’s progression. The National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health conducted a large study that found some supplements can help people slow the disease’s progression by over 25 percent. Nutrients that can slow the condition include lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, copper and zinc oxide. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in these nutrients also helps. Taking or eating the listed supplements can also reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.
A common method for treating the “wet” form is administering anti-VEGF medications that target the chemical that causes abnormal growth of blood vessels under the retina. The chemical is called the vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF. Dr. Patel can skillfully administer the anti-VEGF drug during an outpatient procedure in the comfort of our office.
“Wet” macular degeneration can also be treated through photodynamic therapy (PDT) and laser treatments. In both cases, the light or laser safely damages the abnormal blood vessels. Since the blood vessels sometimes grow back, the patient may need repeated treatments.
Contact Our Office Today
Make an appointment with Dr. Patel at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita to learn more about your treatment options. We are proud to offer a variety of treatments ranging from macular degeneration and glaucoma treatments to LASIK, iStent surgery and laser cataract surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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