Clear Vision Starts Here [Lavonne Kunkel]

Clear vision transforms daily life, and cataract surgery is a common way to restore it. In this video, Lavonne Kunkel shares her experience with cataract surgery at Brookings Health System, highlighting the care she received from Dr. Knudston and Dr. Kneip and the surgical team. The discussion emphasizes patient-centered care, comfort, and the positive outcomes of modern vision correction.

  • Personalized care matters: Dr. Kneip and the surgical staff provide attentive, patient-focused support throughout the process.
  • Cataract surgery decision: Surgery is often elective, with patients guided to choose timing based on their lifestyle and vision needs.
  • Advanced surgical experience: From heated blankets to thorough follow-up, the team prioritizes comfort and patient reassurance.
  • Recovery support: Post-surgery care addresses side effects like dry eyes and ensures optimal healing.
  • Improved quality of life: Patients often experience clearer vision, reduced dependence on glasses, and enhanced daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the cloudy lens of the eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. It is typically performed to restore vision that has been impaired by cataracts, improving clarity and quality of life.

Cataract surgery is considered when vision difficulties affect daily activities, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Your eye doctor can evaluate the severity and discuss the benefits and timing of surgery.

The procedure is typically outpatient, with a focus on patient comfort. At Brookings Health System, patients may enjoy features like heated blankets, attentive surgical staff, and clear post-operative instructions to support recovery.

Recovery involves monitoring for symptoms such as dry eyes or light sensitivity. Eye drops and follow-up visits with the surgeon ensure proper healing and optimal visual outcomes.

Receiving care locally provides continuity, convenience, and personalized attention. Patients benefit from experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists, comprehensive exams, and integrated care within their health system.

Video Transcript

Well, I'm Lavonne Kunkel and I grew up and lived in Minnesota my whole life until I retired. What I enjoy, I go to the gym a lot, I enjoy that. I like to walk. I love traveling.

What did you appreciate about Dr. Kneip?

He's just so caring. He answers every question. Now, when I had this cataract surgery, the follow-up, he was just kind, just a very nice young man.

How was your experience with Dr. Knudtson?

I had an eye infection a couple years ago and my medical doctor sent me to him. And that's where I was introduced to him. And then now, when I had my yearly exam, I said, "You know, I'm having trouble. Things have to be a certain distance from me, like reading a license plate in front of me on a car. Before, I can see it." I said, "What's going on?" He said, "Time for cataracts. It's cataracts." And so, that's, you know... Then I, of course, was reintroduced to Dr. Knudtson.

When did you decide to move forward with cataract surgery?

You know, he said, "Your cataracts aren't critical. It's your decision." It took me two seconds and I said, "Yes." You know, everyone that I know, because of my age group, who's had cataract surgery had nothing except positive things to say. And because I've had glasses for 71 years, you know, I thought, man, that could be great. And some years back, my optometrist where I went, you know, in Minnesota, said, "When you get ready for cataract surgery, it's going to be life changing." So it was always in the back of my mind, you know, when that time came.

Why did you choose Brookings Health System for your procedure?

Well, I have a son here and a son in Sioux Falls, my two sons. That was my... You know, and they've been out here for years. So that was my reasoning from, you know, picking Brookings. And then the other thing is, you know, I was so happy with Dr. Kneip and then I had the experience with my eye infection and stuff. It was just logical. Because I was told, you know, I could go to Sioux Falls and I thought, why? Why would I do that?

What did you appreciate about the surgical staff?

The staff at the hospital. I've had a number of surgeries and things. I have never gone in and laid down on a heated blanket. That so impressed me. And everyone was just... I mean, there was quite a few people in the room, you know, everybody was caring and they introduced themselves and it was just a positive experience. And then, when I get home, of course, I... You know, you're groggy, I slept. And the next day, I opened up the packet that they sent me home with, there was a "Thank you" card in there. What hospital sends you home with a "Thank you" card? And everybody had signed it. I was impressed.

What did you notice after your first surgery?

Big thing, when...even coming out of that room, going into recovery, the light, it... like going from an incandescent to a, you know, LED light. Everything was yellowish and then now, it was blue-white.

How did Dr. Kneip help you during your recovery?

My eyes dried out. So there was a week, several weeks ago, when I was miserable. The light bothered me. No matter what I did, my eyes... It didn't hurt. It just was irritating. So I thought, something's not right. So I came in and saw Dr. Kneip and he said, "You're done with the eye drops." And then he said, "Because your eyes are just so dried out." And then he gave me a sample of a different kind of a non...there's no preservatives or whatever in this certain eye drop. World of difference. And now, I haven't used them this week. I don't think I've used eye drops at all.

How is your vision today?

Wonderful. I just went to Lewis Drug and got... It said 2.5 on these reading glasses, whatever that means. And I wear them just for when I'm reading, you know, or doing something up close, but everything else.

What's it like no longer wearing glasses?

Well, you really notice the bags under your eyes when you get to my age. I thought, oh, couldn't see those before. No, it's... Many times, I'll be reading and I'm going to push my glasses up, you know, just...or not reading cause I had to have the readers, but I'm going to put...and they're not there. It's just because my glasses were... I wore them except when I was sleeping, and they were on my nightstand. Because if I was going to... I could see the clock, but if I was going to, you know, check my messages on my cell phone, I couldn't. I had to have glasses on. Now I don't.

What did you appreciate most about your care?

I just appreciate people who like their job and listen and aren't in a hurry to get you out to get the next person in. It's just a nice atmosphere. Even the gals at the...the two gals at the front desk, you know, they're just... Everyone is just really, really South Dakota nice. So I... Yeah, it was a very good experience.

Why would you recommend Brookings Health System?

Well, and just the positive experience and everybody being so caring and I tell everybody about the heated blanket. That was just like the icing on the cake.

Are you one of Brookings Health Systems grateful patients who would like to give back to us? Learn more about how you can give back at brookingshealth.org/MyThanks.

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