Laser-assisted procedure revolutionizes cataract surgery

By Dr. Tyrie Lee Jenkins

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 30, 2011

~~<p>Cataracts — a clouding of the eye's natural lens — are commonly associated with aging and are the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is estimated that more than 22 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, and that more than half of the population will experience this condition by the time they are 80 years old.</p>
<p>Treatment of cataracts involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL). With more than 3 million cataract surgeries performed yearly in the United States, it is the most commonly performed elective medical procedure under the Medicare system. In Hawaii, it is estimated that close to 15,000 cataract procedures were performed last year.</p>
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Cataracts — a clouding of the eye's natural lens — are commonly associated with aging and are the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is estimated that more than 22 million Americans over the age of 40 have cataracts, and that more than half of the population will experience this condition by the time they are 80 years old.

Treatment of cataracts involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens, or intraocular lens (IOL). With more than 3 million cataract surgeries performed yearly in the United States, it is the most commonly performed elective medical procedure under the Medicare system. In Hawaii, it is estimated that close to 15,000 cataract procedures were performed last year. Login for more...