A cataract is the most common cause of blindness in people over 40, and the chief cause of blindness throughout the world. According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), the number of people with cataracts is greater than the combined numbers of people with macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Types of Cataracts
A cataract always involves a pathological clouding of the lens, and there are several types:
• In a cortical cataract, the patient develops wedge-shaped and white opacities that develop on the edge of the lens and move inwards, forming a spoke. Cortical cataracts develop in the lens cortex that surrounds the nucleus.
• Nuclear cataracts are typically associated with aging. They develop in the nucleus or the center of the lens.
• Subcapsular cataracts develop in the back of the lens. They are most common in people who take steroid medications or have diabetes
What Are the Symptoms?
Cataracts are insidious, and the patient doesn’t notice that there’s anything wrong at first. Subcapsular cataracts are especially likely to not cause any symptoms until they’re well developed. As the cataract progresses, the vison problems worsen and become more obvious. Cataract symptoms can include the following:
• Blurry or dim vision
• Increased difficulty seeing at night or in the dark
• Decreased color vision, which makes objects look yellowed or faded
• Double vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing halos around lights
• Increased need for light when reading or performing other activities
• Frequent changes in prescription lenses
Nuclear cataracts can produce a temporary improvement in a patient’s near vision called “second sight” during their early stages. As they continue to develop, the patient’s eyesight deteriorates.
How Are They Diagnosed?
The eye specialist will perform a number of tests if the patient believes they have a cataract. The patient may start by reading an eye chart to test their visual acuity. The results of the chart will tell the specialist if the patient’s vision is impaired and how severe the impairment is.
The specialist may also conduct a slit-lamp exam in which they use a special type of microscope to examine the structures of the eye. A slit-lamp exam will enable the medical professional to detect abnormalities within the eye.
In a retinal examination, the specialist administers eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils to make it easier to examine the retina at the back of the eye. Either an ophthalmoscope or a slit-lamp will be used to examine the retina and optic nerve. During this exam, the eye specialist will also look for signs of glaucoma and other problems in addition to cataracts.
How Are They Treated?
In mild cases, the patient will only need glasses or contact lenses with the appropriate prescription. As the cataract worsens, the patient will eventually need to undergo surgery. In cataract surgery, our doctor removes the defective lens and replaces it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens.
If you have cataracts, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita to learn more about your treatment options. Contact us today to request a consultation at our office.
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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