Book now for $1,200 off LASIK* + Enjoy Easy and Fast LASIK Financing**
NVISION Centers
Call

Cataract Surgery Cost: Insurance Coverage and Out of Pocket Expenses

Home / Guide to Cataract Surgery / Cataract Surgery Cost: Insurance Coverage and Out of Pocket Expenses

Last Updated

As you age, your eyes undergo various changes, including one of the most common conditions that can affect your vision: Cataracts. As they develop, cataracts make it increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks. Once a cataract progresses into later stages, surgery becomes the only option to recover clear vision. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Average Cost of Cataract Surgery

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the average cost of cataract surgery without insurance in the United States ranges from  to $2000-$3,000  per eye for the standard procedure with a basic IOL.

Cost of Cataract Surgery With Insurance

If you have health insurance coverage, your out-of-pocket costs for cataract surgery may be significantly lower than the total cost of the procedure. Most insurance plans cover a portion of the expenses, including the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and the cost of a standard basic (single-focus) IOL implant.

Expenses Not Covered By Insurance

Multifocal, astigmatism correcting and other specialty IOLs are an added expense, as is the use of laser assisted cataract surgery and other advanced technologies your surgeon may recommend for you. With these extras, the price range rises to $4,000 – $7,000 per eye.

Medicare and most private insurers consider laser-assisted cataract surgery an elective procedure, so patients with insurance typically have to pay the additional cost out-of-pocket.

It’s essential to discuss the anticipated costs with your surgeon and explore payment options or financing plans that may be available to help manage the expenses.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Cataract Surgery

While there is an average estimate for cataract surgery costs, several factors can influence the final expenses:

  • Geographic location: The cost of healthcare services, including cataract surgery, can vary significantly based on where you live. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living tend to have higher medical costs compared to rural areas.
  • Type of facility: The cost of cataract surgery can differ depending on whether it’s performed in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or a private clinic. Generally, hospital-based procedures tend to be more expensive than those performed in outpatient settings.
  • Surgeon’s experience and reputation: Highly experienced and renowned surgeons may charge higher fees for their services, reflecting their expertise and demand.
  • Type of surgery: Traditional cataract surgery is less expensive than advanced laser-assisted cataract surgery.
  • Type of IOL implant: The cost of the intraocular lens implant can vary widely, with premium IOLs designed to correct additional vision problems like astigmatism or presbyopia typically being more expensive than standard monofocal IOLs.

It’s important to note that preoperative tests and post-operative care can also impact the final cost.

Investing in Cataract Surgery: Good vs Best Vision Results

Insurance-covered cataract surgery will restore good vision, but you will probably need to wear glasses for reading and other activities that require close vision.

If you want the best visual outcomes possible, investing in premium lenses and advanced surgical technology might be a worthwhile investment. Premium lenses can correct refractive errors and give you clear vision at multiple distance points, reducing (or even eliminating) the need for glasses.

Cost of IOLs for Cataract Surgery

One of the most significant additional costs associated with cataract surgery is the intraocular lens (IOL) implant. There are several types of IOL implants available, each with varying costs and capabilities:

  1. Standard monofocal IOLs: These are the most basic and affordable IOL implants, designed to correct distance vision. They typically cost a few hundred dollars per eye and are often covered by insurance plans.
  2. Multifocal IOLs: These advanced IOLs are designed to correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses or bifocals. Some multifocal lenses even correct intermediate vision. They can cost between $2,000 to $4,000 per eye and are often not covered by insurance plans.
  3. Accommodating IOLs: These IOLs are designed to mimic the eye’s natural ability to focus at different distances, providing a more natural range of vision. They can cost between $3,000 to $5,000 per eye and are typically not covered by insurance.
  4. Toric IOLs: These IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, a common vision issue. Toric lenses can be monofocal, multifocal or accommodating, so their price varies depending on what type of vision they provide in addition to astigmatism-correction.
  5. Light Adjustable Lenses: these lenses are made of a special photosensitive material that can be molded using UV light. These IOLs are the only ones that can be adjusted after surgery. A series of light treatments will adjust the lens to your exact prescription. LALs are the more expensive IOL option (around $4310) but they are the only ones that provide custom vision.

It’s important to discuss the various IOL options with your surgeon and understand the potential benefits and costs associated with each type. While premium IOLs may offer enhanced visual outcomes, they can significantly increase the overall cost of cataract surgery.

Is Laser Cataract Surgery Worth the Cost?

Premium lenses provide superior vision results compared to traditional monofocal IOLs. To get the most out of these lenses, placement is key. This is why laser-assisted cataract surgery is usually recommended.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery is an advanced technique that uses a femtosecond laser to perform certain steps of the procedure with greater precision and accuracy. WIth this surgical approach, the procedure is computer-guided.

This method creates a highly detailed 3D model of your eye. The computer then analyzes this 3D map and uses it to program the femtosecond laser to make incisions and fragment the cataract lens. Once the cataract has been removed, the model provides a precise guide for lens placement.

Making an Informed Decision

Remember, the cost of cataract surgery should not be the sole determining factor in your decision. Your overall health, vision needs, and quality of life should be the primary considerations when weighing the benefits and costs of the procedure. To explore your options, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists today.

The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages.

Further Reading