Cataract Surgery Costs: how much can you expect to pay? 

The cost of cataract surgery depends on a variety of factors. These include the type of operation and the choice of intraocular lenses (IOLs). How much you have to pay will also be determined by your insurance cost and Medicare.

In short, a cataract operation on a single eye will come in at between $3,500-$7,000. The following looks at the different factors that will determine the final price of surgery.

Everything You Need to Know about Cataract Surgery Costs

• Cataract surgery costs: the procedure
• Cataract surgery costs: the lenses
• Other info about cataract surgery costs

Cataract surgery costs: the procedure

Cataract surgery is carried out in one of two ways:

• Traditional cataract surgery: Whereby the surgeon makes a tiny incision near the cornea to allow entry to the inner eye. A probe is then inserted through and into the lens cavity and a laser is used to break down the diseased lens. A monofocal IOL is inserted in its place and the incision is closed without stitches.
• Laser-assisted cataract surgery: The overall procedure is the same. However, a computer is used to create an intricate 3D map of the internal structures of the eye. A laser is used to both make the incision and break down the lens. The IOL is then sited with extreme accuracy. This computer guidance means that more advanced lenses can be used, such as bifocal, toric, and more.

A laser-assisted procedure is the more expensive option.

Cataract surgery costs: the lenses

The type of IOL you choose will also have a great bearing on the cost. Monofocal lenses are the cheapest (and the only ones covered by Medicare). Premium lenses can be twice or even three times as expensive as monofocals. However, their popularity is high, thanks to the freedom they bring from corrective lenses post-surgery.

Such lenses include:

• Multifocal implants
• Lenses that correct astigmatism
• Presbyopia-correcting lenses

Your surgeon will discuss the lens choices with you before the operation, helping you to decide which type will be most suitable and advantageous.

Other info about cataract surgery costs

Apart from the type of procedure and the lens you choose, there are some other elements that have a bearing on the cost.

These include:

• Pre-and post-op care: A non-complex cataract operation with 1-2 pre-operative visits, regular pain-relieving and antibiotic medications, and 1-2 post-op visits is generally what’s needed. However, co-existing medical and/or eye conditions can increase the need for clinical care and medication. In such cases, the cost of the operation will be higher.
• Where you have the operation: Having the operation done as an outpatient at a hospital can sometimes be more expensive than at an ambulatory surgical clinic.
• Your choice of surgeon: Highly experienced and reputable clinicians can (but not always) command a higher fee.

Understanding exactly how much you can expect to pay for a cataract operation is surrounded by variables. For example, Medicare covers most of the cost of traditional surgery and monofocal lenses. You can choose to upgrade this and fund the difference yourself.

Or you might have other medical insurance that could cover more of the costs. The actual amount of coverage will be dependent on your policy.

Use our directory to find a top cataract surgeon near you and compare real patient reviews before you decide.