The eye’s natural lens is located directly behind the pupil, and when the lens becomes cloudy, the condition is called a cataract. About 50 percent of people develop cataracts by the time they are 65 years old, and almost everyone has them when they reach 75. Many people have cataracts that do not inhibit their vision or interfere with their lifestyle. These people may not need to undergo cataract surgery to remove their cataracts.
Cataracts usually develop because of changes in the eye as people age. They can also be caused by an injury, diabetes, other health problems and certain medications, including long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops.
The only treatment for cataracts is to have them surgically removed. Many people have cataracts that cause blurred vision and make it difficult to read print or road signs. Cataracts can also cause a glare from light that makes it difficult to drive at night. It also may become impossible to knit, play cards or engage in other hobbies or work. If this is the case, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.
The surgery usually takes only about 20 minutes, and most patients are able to go home afterwards. Anesthetic eye drops are used in order to ensure patient comfort. You will be awake, but not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
You may want to consider cataract surgery if:
• You cannot see well enough to do your job or drive safely
• You have problems when you read or watch television
• You cannot easily cook, garden, shop, take medications or climb stairs
• You need help for many daily activities and have lost independence
• You cannot see faces clearly
• You have difficulty seeing in bright light
Unlike in the past when cataracts needed to be at a certain stage of development before they could be removed, today’s technology allows them to be removed at any stage. With that being said, it is usually better to remove a cataract sooner rather than later, but only after it starts to blur vision and interfere with daily activities. If a cataract is left in the eye too long, it may cause pressure in the eye that could lead to glaucoma or inflammation.
During a consultation with Dr. Patel at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, you may have your eyes examined and any blurred vision diagnosed. If you have cataracts in one or both eyes, Dr. Patel will explain all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about having cataract surgery. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more.
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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