Cataract Surgery How Much Does It Cost? A Patient’s Guide to Saving

Cataract Eye Surgery

Cataracts are dense, cloudy masses that obstruct light from entering the eye. Patients see hazy and blurry images and have difficulty with night vision. The natural eye lens is transparent, but in some candidates, its chemical components break down and settle as a cloudy mass. While cataracts begin as smaller dots without noticeable issues, they pose a severe problem as the lumps grow in size. This is a gradual process, taking months or years, and candidates end up experiencing extreme difficulty performing simple daily tasks. It's worth mentioning that cataracts should be removed surgically. There are no existing non-surgical treatment alternatives. Ophthalmologists remove the clouded eye lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). They will numb your eyes before surgery so that you are awake during the procedure, but you will not feel the pain. 

Understanding Cataracts Surgery Costs

Although many patients eventually require surgery in both eyes, ophthalmologists typically operate on one eye at a time. That’s why the pricing is usually listed per eye. Further, some plans for insurance, and if you're covered, especially Medicare or a private plan, your out-of-pocket expenses are significantly low. However, navigating the total cost can still be confusing, especially when you're comparing providers, evaluating different lens options, or trying to understand what your insurance will actually cover. 

Do You Have To Pay for Cataract Surgery?

You will have to pay for cataract surgery if you are uninsured. However, when you plan for cataract surgery as part of a public healthcare program, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, you will pay a percentage of the total costs and aftercare medicine. Suppose you are insured and choose premium lens options; the lens costs also add up to the self-pay expenses. Note that most insurance plans cover only standard lenses. 

The out-of-pocket cost varies with the insurance plan, type of surgery, and lens. Conversely, going private will significantly increase your self-pay costs, and you will pay more.  

How Much Is Cataract Surgery Without Insurance?

In the United States, the average cost of cataract surgery without insurance ranges between $3,000 and $7,000 per eye. Typically, these costs cover the numbing eyedrops, surgery, and lens costs. A few providers also include the costs for diagnostic tests and post-op care medicines with a limited number of follow-up visits. It's always recommended to request a price quote during your initial consultation. A transparent price breakdown, covering surgeon fees, lens type, and surgery centre costs, can help you plan better and avoid unexpected charges. Don’t hesitate to ask the following questions before treatment.

• What exactly is covered in the price quote?
• Is the quoted IOL the basic or premium type?
• Are there any extra charges for post-surgery follow-ups?
• What if complications arise? Does that amount to extra fees? 

Factors Affecting Cataract Eye Surgery Cost

Understanding what actually drives cataract surgery costs makes a difference. The overall expenses for cataract eye surgery vary based on the following factors.

Choice of Hospital, Surgical Center, or Going Private

Choosing a public healthcare system rather than going private will cost you significantly less for cataract surgery. By going private, you have a choice of premium lenses and lasers. However, the self-pay expenses can be high. If you ask us, “How much does it cost to go private for cataract surgery?” the answer is around $5,000-$7,000 per eye. Besides the choice of going private or public, the choice of eye hospitals or surgical centers also influences costs. Typically, eye hospitals quote expensive bills when compared to surgical centers or private eye clinics. Suppose a private clinic charges $4,000 for cataract surgery for one eye, the same can cost you $6,000 or $7,000 at an eye hospital. It’s because the eye surgery centers or private clinics focus on competitive pricing. Some of them offer bundled packages for self-pay patients.  The eye hospitals, on the other hand, consider the overhead costs of hospital maintenance for pricing cataract surgery. 

Surgical Technology 

Cataract surgery technically speaks about the removal of the dense cataract and implanting an IOL. However, the procedure typically varies with the technology being used. Standard cataract or phacoemulsification is the conventional method, which generally costs you the least. It involves making surgical incisions and uses high-energy waves to break the cataract and extract the broken pieces. On the other hand, the more advanced laser cataract surgery uses sophisticated lasers to make incisions and break cataracts. While the standard cataract surgery costs between $3,000 and $4,500 per eye, the same costs you up to $6,000 for the laser method. 

Lens Choice

Cataract surgery costs include the intraocular lens, too. Your ophthalmologist will suggest the right IOL type based on your eye condition. It's important to note that cataract surgery costs vary with IOL type. Ideally, the basic mono-focal IOL costs the least. It improves the vision at one distance. Conversely, premium IOLs, such as the toric or multifocal lenses, improve both near and far vision and are typically expensive. Furthermore, most insurance providers cover standard monofocal lenses, making it a more affordable choice. Choosing the premium lenses will significantly increase your out-of-pocket expenses even when you are insured. Insurers consider them a premium choice and offer partial or no coverage. So you will have to pay for them out of pocket. 

Cataract lens price list

#The exact lens price varies with the brand.

Geographical Location

Ideally, clinics located in metropolitan and urban areas quote slightly higher prices for cataract surgery. This is due to the elevated cost of living and operating expenses like clinic rents, staff salaries, and equipment maintenance costs. On the other hand, you can expect lower prices in rural areas, while the facilities may be limited. We briefly compare the cataract cost by answering popular questions that most patients ask us.

• How much does cataract surgery cost USA?

In the United States, getting cataract surgery for an insured patient will cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 per eye. This price for a standard surgical method is relatively lower compared to the laser method and advanced lenses. Laser cataract surgery with premium IOL costs range between $4,000 and $6,000 per eye.  

• How much does it cost for cataract surgery in Philippines?

The cost of cataract surgery in the Philippines starts at around $1,000 per eye. Depending on the technology, the surgeon and the clinic can charge as much as $2,000 per eye. 

• How much does it cost for cataract surgery in Australia?

Cataract eye surgery using the standard method in Australia costs between $2,400 and $3,600 per eye. 

• How much does it cost for cataract surgery in UK?

Cataract surgery in the UK costs between $3,800 and $5,400 per eye, with the standard method costing the least. Choosing advanced laser cataract removal and premium lens options incurs higher costs at around $5,400 per eye.  

Cataract surgery costs are strikingly expensive in high-income countries. For this reason, many uninsured patients opt for medical tourism in countries like Mexico, Turkey, or Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines or Thailand.

Eye Surgeon’s Expertise and Experience

Choosing reputable surgical eye centers for cataract eye surgery generally involves higher costs. In most cases, one can expect high-quality care, streamlined procedures, and reliance on advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment with this choice. Furthermore, well-maintained clinics adhere to strict sterilization standards and maintain a clean environment. Considering these factors for choosing a surgery center and surgeon will ensure better outcomes. Reputed surgeons most often provide post-surgical follow-ups so you don’t feel abandoned after treatment. Opting for clinics prioritizing patient safety and surgeons with a proven track record may cost slightly more. However, a practical choice is typically the one made considering overall success and cost benefits. 

Insurance Coverage

Cataract surgery costs can be significantly reduced when you opt for insurance. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover the procedure if it’s deemed medically necessary. 

The average cost of cataract surgery with Medicare can save you up to 80% of the total expense. You will have to pay the remaining 20% of costs, out-of-pocket.^[1] The self-pay costs vary with the technology and lens type. The cost of laser cataract surgery with Medicare is different from the standard one. Of course, it costs more compared to the standard method. So, the self-pay amount is generally higher even after availing of the 80% insurance coverage with Medicare. Medicare coverage often includes the surgeon’s fee, facility charges, surgical procedures, and the cost of standard IOLs (monofocal lenses). If you choose premium lens options like multifocal or toric lenses, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket. 

Cataract surgery coverage with Medicaid is quite different. And if you ask us, “How much Medicaid pay for cataract surgery?” The answer is that it varies with the state. It's because Medicaid, an insurance program specifically for low-income groups, is funded jointly by state governments and the federal government. The coverage and conditions to deem a cataract surgery a medical necessity vary with the state policies. It's recommended that you check with your insurance providers before the procedure.  

Don’t let cost confusion delay your vision care. With Envoy Health, you get clear answers, trusted clinics, and expert support right from the start. Sign up now and take the first step toward affordable, high-quality cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery How Much Are the Additional Costs?

Besides cataract surgery and IOL costs, you will have to plan for the aftercare eyedrops. Usually, ophthalmologists use numbing eyedrops before surgery and will prescribe eyedrops that include steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antibiotics to be used after surgery. You should use them at a specified frequency. Some ophthalmologists recommend single eyedrops, as a combination of these three. In addition, you will also need eyeglasses, a protective shield, and dark sunglasses. 

Cataract Surgery: Insured Versus Uninsured

Not everyone plans for insurance, and not everyone qualifies for it. Some choose to go private for cataract surgery for the following reasons. 

• The wait times for treatment in public healthcare systems in countries like Canada or the UK tend to be very high. Therefore, people choose to go private and schedule treatment according to their convenience. 
• Private insurers limit the surgeon's choice to in-network ophthalmologists to ensure maximum coverage. Opting for an out-of-network ophthalmologist amounts to a self-pay cost.   
• Insurance plans like Medicare limit lens choices to basic mono-focal lenses. Candidates seeking upgraded laser and lens options opt for private treatment. 

Uninsured and Dealing with Cataract Costs

Here are a few tips for saving cataract surgery costs for the uninsured.

• Look for vision discount plans at clinics, the membership-based plans, where you pay a specific amount as an annual or monthly fee. You can avail of discounted prices on diagnostic tests, prescription glasses, and lens, and elective procedures. Note that you don’t have to submit claims as they apply to insurance. However, discount plans do not entirely cover the treatment costs. They only offer discounted prices, where you pay the remaining costs.
• Some eye clinics offer flexible payment plans where you will pay monthly installments. Clinics divide the total costs (surgery, medicine, diagnostics, and follow-ups) into payable monthly installments. You don’t require credit checks or interest options from third-party lenders.  
• You may plan for financing options such as credit cards or personal medical loans, where the payments typically come with interest rates.  
• Employer-sponsored benefit programs apply to insured and uninsured candidates as well. These mutually beneficial programs benefit the employer by reducing taxes and employees by improving their satisfaction and productivity. It's recommended to check with HR in advance and stay informed about the pre-approval and reimbursement documentation. 
• Opting for medical tourism is another great way to get quality treatment at affordable costs. Countries like Mexico and Turkey are medical tourism hubs for elective eye procedures. However, you need to be meticulous in your choice. Perform a background check of the clinic and surgeon before planning your treatment. Many clinics abroad offer quality care no less than your hometown. For instance, our partner eye clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, has been serving patients for years and is trusted by thousands. 

Cataract Surgery Cost Near Me: Is It Really Worthy It?

You need to weigh the long-term benefits of cataract surgery in order to understand its worth.

• Improved vision and quality of life: Cataract eye surgery significantly improves vision. As a result, patients, especially the elderly, experience increased independence. Enhanced eyesight makes daily life easier, improving overall quality of life.
• High success rate: Cataract eye surgery has a high success rate, with very rare complications or side effects. Recovery is effortless and will not require a tedious process.
• Simple and quick procedure: Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes around 30 minutes. With the preparatory and post-operative tasks, it takes only a few hours. It does not require an overnight stay, so the hospital charges for this don’t apply.
• Safe and FDA-approved: Cataract eye surgery is safe with the fewest complications. The procedure is FDA-approved, and so are the IOL’s too.^[2] 
• Lasting solution: The newly implanted IOL lives in your eye for a lifetime and performs its tasks as simply as a natural eye lens does.

So, cataract surgery is an investment with long-term benefits. When planned efficiently, the procedure is indeed worth the cost. 

Final Word!

Cataract surgery prices can vary widely depending on your provider, the technology used, lens selection, and insurance coverage. To avoid unexpected expenses, always request a detailed cost breakdown from your provider before proceeding with the procedure.

Need help navigating these decisions? With Envoy Health, you get personalized support to compare pricing, understand your insurance benefits, and connect with top-rated providers all in one place. Sign up today and take control of your cataract care with confidence.

References 

1. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery and CMS Rulings 05-01 and 1536-R  
2. FDA approves first intraocular lens with extended range of vision for cataract patients