Please Join Us in Welcoming Katherine E. Whalen, M.D.!

Peter J. Famiglietti, M.D. and Famiglietti Eye Associates are pleased to welcome ophthalmologist Katherine E. Whalen, M.D. to our practice as of July 1, 2018. Dr. Whalen is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery and the medical management of eye disease.

Dr. Whalen earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Notre Dame, double-majoring in Biological Science and English. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine at Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College) at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Whalen completed her internship and residency in ophthalmology at Geisinger Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident; since completing her residency she has been practicing at the Geisinger Eye Institute as an attending ophthalmologist.

Dr. Whalen looks forward to serving the Connecticut shoreline community!

Study: Patients Who Have Cataract Surgery Live Longer

Researchers have found that patients who have cataract surgery have a 40% lower mortality risk than patients with cataracts who do not have surgery, according to a study published this fall by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The study followed 345 Australian patients age 49 and older for 15 years and researchers make adjustments for age, gender and “mortality risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, cardiovascular disease, body mass index and measures of frailty and comorbid disease.”

The AAO writes:

‘Our finding complements the previously documented associations between visual impairment and increased mortality among older persons,’ said Jie Jin Wang, Ph.D., of the Westmead Millennium Institute and one of the lead researchers of the study. ‘It suggests to ophthalmologists that correcting cataract patients’ visual impairment in their daily practice results in improved outcomes beyond that of the eye and vision, and has important impacts on general health.’

The association between correction of cataract-related visual impairment and reduced mortality risk is not clearly understood, but plausible factors may include improvements in physical and emotional well-being, optimism, greater confidence associated with independent living after vision improvement, as well as greater ability to comply with prescription medications.