Macular degeneration, which is also referred to as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is a disease that causes vision impairment and blindness. According to the National Eye Institute (NIH), AMD is the number one cause of vision loss and blindness in people who are 50 years of age or older. Thankfully, Dr. Patel at the Wichita Vision Institute can help diagnose and treat this disease.
AMD results in damage to the part of the eye called the macula. The macula is responsible for central vision. When your central vision is impaired, you may not be able to perform everyday activities the way you normally would. These activities include reading, writing, and driving. A damaged macula can make your vision blurry.
Although age increases the risk for macular degeneration, a family history of the disease also raises the risk for macular degeneration. Race is another risk factor since Caucasians are more at risk for AMD than African-Americans and Hispanics are. Smoking can increase the risk for AMD as well, doubling the chance of getting the disease. Having elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels raises the risk as well.
There is a chance you may be able to cut your risk of developing AMD and slow its progression by making a few adjustments to your lifestyle habits. These adjustments include quitting smoking and engaging in regular exercise. A healthy diet that is abundant in fish and green vegetables with leaves is also beneficial. Cutting back on your salt intake and avoiding high-cholesterol foods can help as well since it is important that you keep your blood pressure and your cholesterol level down. Taking certain vitamins and minerals on a daily basis can hold back the progression of AMD. These vitamins and minerals include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper.
AMD may show no symptoms in its early and transitional stage, but a special eye exam can be performed to detect this disease. A visual acuity test may be part of this exam, along with a dilated eye exam, an Amsler grid, a Fluorescein angiogram, and an optical coherence tomography. The presence of larger than normal drusen deposits under the retina can be an indication of AMD, and pigmentary changes beneath the retina can be an indication.
There is no cure for early stage AMD, but a yearly comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended to check if the disease is progressing. People who have intermediate AMD or late stage AMD in just the right or left eye may be able to slow the progression of the disease by taking a high dosage of certain vitamins and minerals every day. Therapies available for advanced neovascular AMD include injections, photodynamic therapy (laser treatment), and laser surgery.
At the Wichita Vision Institute, Dr. Patel has a number of treatment options that may be able to lower your risk of developing the disease or slow down the progression. To see if you are at risk or if these treatment options are right for you, contact us today!
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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