Cataracts are not something that young people worry about. However, when we start to hit middle-age, at about 50 years old, the chances increase that our doctor is going to tell us that we have cataracts. Around five percent of patients with cataracts are between the ages of 50 and 54. Approximately 36 percent of patients with cataracts are between the ages of 70 and 74, and 68 percent of cataracts patients are 80 years of age or older.
Cataracts occur when the inside of the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Since the damage is actually on the lens of the eye, there’s nothing that you can do to correct it outside of a surgical procedure. When people hear that they have cataracts, they get scared. They think that nothing can be done to restore their vision. However, the truth is that with modern surgery, cataracts can be completely removed. Most patients who have cataract surgery have their full vision restored, and some of them no longer need to rely on eyeglasses.
Cataracts are directly connected to getting older. It is expected that in the United States more people are going to have cataracts as the aging population gets larger. Back in 2010, approximately 24 million Americans had cataracts. It’s expected that by 2050, more than 50 million people will have cataracts in the United States.
However, thanks to advances in modern surgical techniques, cataract surgery is literally one of the safest procedures a person can have performed. On an annual basis doctors perform more than three million cataract surgeries. The overwhelming majority of the surgeries have a positive outcome for the patient.
When you have cataract surgery, the lens inside your eye that is clouded over is removed. An artificial lens that is referred to as an intraocular lens is introduced to give you clear vision. The procedure is so safe and so fast that most people can have cataract surgery performed as an outpatient treatment. There’s no need for them to spend the night in the hospital.
Once this surgery is performed, the patient will get an eye patch to protect their eyes after surgery as they go through the recovery process.
Laser cataract surgery in Wichita, KS is becoming more and more popular. Studies have shown that in some cases using lasers during cataract surgery improves the accuracy of the procedure. Recovery times with laser cataract surgery compared to traditional cataract surgery are pretty much the same. However, the speed of the surgery is a lot faster when lasers are used.
Contact Wichita Vision Institute today for more information or to schedule your 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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