A cataract is a cloudiness of the lens within the eye, resulting in blurred vision, and requires treatment.
A cataract usually progresses very slowly and with time, the patient is unable to carry out their daily activities properly. It is at such a time that they need to go in for cataract treatment by undergoing surgery.
Cataract treatment usually involves a low-risk cataract eye surgery. Rarely, there could be some risks involved in the cataract surgery. Cataract eye surgery is generally a safe and effective procedure for cataract treatment.
During surgery, the lens in the eye is replaced by an artificial lens. In most cases, an intraocular lens (IOL) is used for the treatment. For a few patients who cannot tolerate the IOL, the treatment consists of regular soft lenses or glasses. The cataract surgery takes less than an hour and is almost painless. It is also done using laser-assisted techniques.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. Approximately 3 million Americans undergo cataract treatment through cataract surgery every year, at various cataract treatment centers.
Cataract eye surgery restores eye vision successfully. About 90% of people have normal vision after undergoing cataract surgery.
Cataract treatment is best discussed with a physician who can help the patient decide on the correct cataract treatment center.
According to annual U.S. News "Best Hospitals" rankings for 2010-2011, the following are the ten best cataract treatment centers in the United States. It is important to choose the right cataract treatment center for the treatment.
1. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, Miami, Fla.
2. Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
3. Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
4. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass.
5. Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
6. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA
7. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
8. Doheny Eye Institute, USC University Hospital, Los Angeles, Calif.
9. University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, Calif.
10. Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
Cataract surgery cost varies and depends on the surgeon and the facilities. Most health insurance companies cover the cost of surgery.
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