Eye surgery is one of the most profound advantages of modern medicine and advanced science. Because of eye surgery, people are able to remain mobile, independent, and self-sufficient in spite of any heredity or age-related degradation of the vision. Cataract surgery, in particular, makes it possible to live a longer and healthier life. At Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS, Dr. Patel is a skilled hand at LenSx, a revolutionary cataract surgery.
What Is LenSx?
As a cataract surgery, LenSx eye surgery is designed to remove cataracts from the eye and restore vision. Where this procedure differs from other cataract surgeries is its blade-free, laser-only implementation. This is a minimally invasive, computer-controlled, laser treatment for cataracts that can restore vision and enable you to return to leading a normal, self-fulfilling life.
How Does This Treatment Work?
Traditional cataract surgery requires a manual excising and extraction of cataracts with a thin blade, which can be more traumatic to the eye overall and which may take longer to recover from. This treatment, on the other hand, combines the advantages of technology into one seamless and unparalleled treatment.
Using laser technology and computer-guided ultrasound technology, this revolutionary procedure breaks up and extracts all cataracts from the eye, and allows for the installation of an intraocular lens. An intraocular lens is essentially replacements for the natural lens that is removed during cataracts. An intraocular lens is both a corrective and protective measure that concludes your cataract surgery.
A lens is placed over the cornea to help bend and direct light as well as protect more vulnerable parts of the eye. There are several intraocular lenses to choose from that can help correct your vision, including for astigmatism or bifocal, which removes the need to wear prescription glasses following the surgery.
PanOptix Intraocular Lens
PanOptix intraocular lenses are the newest trifocal lens used after cataract surgery for the purpose of correcting vision. A trifocal lens means that the lens has three predetermined focal points that help sharpen vision; close range, medium range, and far range. A trifocal lens helps your retina focus refracted light so you can have better vision. The majority of patients who use PanOptix intraocular lenses have no need to wear glasses for additional vision correction.
Tecnis Toric and Toris II Intraocular Lens
Toric intraocular lenses have a unique design that is ideal for patients who want to correct either astigmatism or distance vision. Toric lenses are also multifocal, meaning they have near, intermediate, and far distance focal points to allow for a fuller range of vision.
And unlike other intraocular lenses, Toric sits closer to the pupil and allows for better vision in low lighting as well as natural blue lighting that helps you see better in the dimness. The vision and light correction of Toric lenses gives you more freedom and better vision – without the need for corrective glasses.
Will You Need a Consultation?
Yes. All patients must attend a consultation appointment with Dr. Patel to determine eligibility for the procedure. Dr. Patel will do a thorough examination of your eye, particularly cataracts and any vision problems, such as nearsightedness or blurry vision, that you indicate. Dr. Patel will discuss how the procedure works and the reasonable expectations you can expect after you are healed.
What Steps Can You Expect From Treatment?
Because this is a surgery, there are several steps involved in the treatment. For example, you will need to arrange for transportation on the day of your surgery and schedule time off from work or other obligations while you are healing. For the surgery itself, you can expect the following steps.
Step One: IV Sedative
A mild IV sedative will be given to you to keep you calm for the duration of the treatment. Many patients are asleep throughout the surgery for this reason. If you have any drug allergies, please let us know prior to treatment.
Step Two: Anesthetic Eye Drops
Anesthetic eye drops and an anesthetic eye solution will both be administered to your eye to keep the surface of your eye numb and free from discomfort. The anesthetic eye drops and eye solution will take a few hours to wear off completely.
Step Three: Incision and Ultrasound Energy
The surgery itself involves first several laser incisions to be made onto the surface of the eye over the cornea. These incisions are to prepare for the extraction of cataracts and to make the ultrasound energy pulses, which are guided by the computer, more efficient.
Step Four: Cataract Extraction
Once cataracts have been broken up by the ultrasound energy pulses, cataracts will be gently suctioned from the eye until no cataracts remain.
Step Five: Intraocular Lens
Next, an intraocular lens will be placed in each eye. The plastic intraocular lens is folded during insertion, then unfolded and expertly placed over the pupil.
Step Six: Closing
After the intraocular lens have been placed into each eye, the incisions will be closed and the surgery will be complete. You will be taken to a room to rest briefly, and then asked to attend an immediate follow-up appointment at Dr. Patel’s office to assess the surgery.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Although there are many steps for this procedure, the total length of time the surgery takes is between 20 and 30 minutes. Most patients can complete both the surgery and the immediate follow-up appointment in as little as an hour.
What Is Recovery Like?
Any eye surgery will require some downtime for recovery. The vast majority of patients require at least 5 to 7 days of uninterrupted recovery time before returning to normal daily activities, such as going back to work. Full recovery from cataract surgery will require several weeks before all restrictions and post-treatment instructions are lifted.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After your post-operative exam, Dr. Patel will give you a list of post-treatment instructions for you to follow for the duration of your recovery. These post-treatment instructions are intended to ensure that you recover well from the surgery, especially as your eyes will be very vulnerable in the week following your treatment. Some post-treatment instructions will include:
- Use prescription eye drops
- Wear eye shield while sleeping
- Wear special sunglasses outside
- Avoid eye make-up
- Do not bend or exercise
- Avoid dirt or dust in eyes
- Do not rub eyes
Dr. Patel may give you additional instructions during your post-operative exam. If you have any questions about recovery or recovery limitations, please be sure to contact our office with any questions.
Follow-Up Appointments
You will need to attend several follow-up appointments after your eye surgery, including one on the day of your surgery. You immediate follow-up appointment will allow Dr. Patel to assess how well the surgery went and identify any immediate issues in healing. After this, you will also need to attend follow-up appointments to assess your healing in the weeks that follow your surgery. Many patients see Dr. Patel regularly for a month or more following treatment.
What Results Should You Expect?
Your results from cataract surgery are ideally an overall improvement in your vision, including your distance vision, your light perception, and your depth perception. Because cataract surgery removes cataracts that interfere with your vision, all of your symptoms associated with cataracts should also be removed following treatment.
How Long Do Results Last?
Cataract surgery is intended to last a lifetime. This is because the part of the eye that forms cataracts is cleared and replaced by intraocular lenses, which should not need to be replaced.
Cataract Surgery FAQ
1. What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are the fogging of your natural lens, which is the part of the eye that is directly over the pupil and helps filter light. Cataracts are commonly caused by aging, with many adults over 50 in the early stages of developing cataracts. Cataracts are most often associated with failing vision, but the comprehensive list of common symptoms includes:
- cloudy or blurred vision
- halos around lights
- difficulty reading or driving
- double vision
- colors seem washed out or dull
- needing more light to read
- difficulty with night vision
- difficulty with depth perception
- constantly changing glasses or contact lens prescription
2. How Common Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is very common, with almost 3 million Americans seeking this treatment each year. Because this surgery is so common, both the traditional method and the LenSx method are safe for all qualifying patients.
3. Should You Have LenSx or LASIK?
The type of vision correction surgery you will need depends on the type of vision correction you need. LASIK surgery is ideal for general vision correction, usually in younger people who do not wish to wear glasses or use contact lenses. Cataract surgery, on the other hand, can be corrective both for the removal of cataracts and for common vision problems. If you aren’t sure which surgery is right for you, please discuss your vision concerns with Dr. Patel.
4. How Do You Know You Need Cataract Surgery?
Some patients aren’t sure when they should seek surgical treatment for cataracts. The most common symptom of cataracts is blurry vision, however, if you are needing to frequently change your vision prescriptions or even basic daily tasks such as driving or reading are difficult due to slanting or double vision, then it might be time to seek cataract surgery.
5. Can Glasses Help With Cataracts?
To a point, glasses can help. As a temporary measure, glasses can help moderately correct some vision issues, such as difficulty with depth perception or blurry vision. However, cataracts will continue to develop and vision will continue to worsen without intervention, so glasses are not a viable or long-term solution for cataracts.
6. Which Intraocular Lens Should You Use?
The type of intraocular lens you will use is determined at the time of your pre-operative exam. During this exam, certain measurements of your eye shape will be taken so Dr. Patel can recommend the intraocular lens that best fits with your unique vision needs. You will likely have multiple options available to choose from. Dr. Patel will help you determine which lens is most compatible with your daily functioning and lifestyle.
7. Are You a Good Candidate for LenSx?
Patients who qualify for this treatment include adults who have been diagnosed with cataracts and who would like a permanent solution for vision problems associated with cataracts. Ideal patients are healthy enough for surgery and have been approved for surgery by Dr. Patel. Patients with mild, moderate, or severe cataracts all potentially qualify for this surgery.
Restore Your Vision With LenSx Cataract Surgery
You don’t have to live with the slow decline of your vision when cataract surgery is available to you. It’s time to take advantage of modern science and fix your vision for good with LenSx. Please contact Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS to schedule your consultation appointment.
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.
Powered by Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Reviews






