There are several diseases that can cause blindness, especially if they are not treated. Age-related macular degeneration occurs due to age and the deterioration of the optic nerve over time. Cataracts can also cause blindness if they are allowed to get worse and are not removed before they do significant damage. Among all eye conditions and diseases, glaucoma is probably the most well-known. Although it cannot be totally cured, there are treatments available that can keep it from worsening and to preserve eyesight.
Beware of Eye Pressure
The level of pressure inside the eye is known as intraocular pressure. Higher levels of pressure inside of the eye is caused by the deterioration of the optic nerve. This can be due to age most of the time, so people in their later years are more likely to develop it. This particular type of decline of the optic nerve’s strength causes increased production of eye fluid called aqueous humor pressure in the frontal part of the eye. In normal cases, the aqueous humor would be drained out of the eye very easily. In cases of glaucoma, the drainage doesn’t occur. The reason for this build-up and blockage is not quite clear. However, this blockage leads to pressure that begins to damage the eye and reduce the quality of eyesight.
Are You at Risk?
Certain groups of people are most at risk for developing glaucoma. The aging process can definitely be part of the reason some people get it. This is why it’s important to get regular eye exams and have the pressure in your eyes measured. Catching rising pressure in the eyes before it gets worse can make all the difference. The sooner measures are taken to relieve the pressure, the better the chances of preserving your eyesight.
Those who have a family member with this disease have a higher chance of developing it themselves. If you have had poor vision throughout your life, you are also more likely to develop it during the later years of life. Those who have had diabetes for a number of years sometimes start experiencing symptoms of pressure in their eyes.
Common Symptoms
Most people don’t have telling symptoms until they begin to notice a loss of peripheral vision. They have to look directly at an object or person in order to see it without experiencing blurry vision. However, when the pressure levels begin significantly rising, a severe headache and pain in the eyes might be telling symptoms. There might be other symptoms when glaucoma is in its advanced stages, including nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and seeing halos around lights.
At Wichita Vision Institute, Dr. Reena Patel offers a variety of glaucoma treatments. If you are interested in learning more, visit us at our office in Wichita, KS. Contact us today to schedule your 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.
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