Losing your vision can be scary, and a cataract diagnosis can be even more frightening. Cataracts happen when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Your lens focuses the light that comes into your eye. When foggy, you may experience vision problems such as cloudy or blurry vision, faded colors, or a halo around lights.
Cataracts are prevalent with aging. Approximately half of all Americans over the age of 80 have developed cataracts at some point in their lives. Despite that, the diagnosis can be scary because the only way to get rid of a cataract is through surgery. This raises several questions, such as what is cataract surgery? What does cataract surgery cost?
How Cataract Surgery Works
Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure. The surgeon removes the eye’s cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). This is usually done under local anesthesia and often takes only a few minutes per eye. Modern techniques (called phacoemulsification) use tiny incisions and ultrasound energy to break up and remove the lens. In the end, you leave with a new artificial lens in place of the cataract, restoring your vision to clarity. Most patients experience significant improvement within a day or two, and the surgery is generally very safe and effective.
Lens Choices and Cost Breakdown
The expense of your cataract surgery will depend on a few factors, including the type of lens and surgery you choose to have. After the cloudy lens is removed, the replacement lens (IOL) you choose affects how well you see at different distances and whether you’ll need glasses. In simple terms:
Monofocal Lenses
These correct vision at one distance (usually near or far). They are the most common and cost-effective option. They give excellent single-distance vision, but you will likely still need glasses for other tasks (e.g., reading). Most insurance plans cover monofocal IOLs, and patients often pay very little extra beyond co-pays. Monofocal IOLs alone do not correct astigmatism; a separate toric IOL or glasses would be needed for that (see toric lenses below).
Multifocal (Trifocal) Lenses
These advanced IOLs have multiple focusing zones built in. They can provide good vision at near, intermediate, and far distances simultaneously. The significant advantage is a reduced dependence on glasses or contacts – many patients can transition seamlessly from reading to distance tasks without wearing corrective lenses. However, multifocals cost more than monofocals and are considered premium lenses. Insurance typically does not cover the additional cost of a multifocal IOL, so you can expect out-of-pocket costs to range from $2,000 to $3,500 per eye. Also, multifocals can sometimes cause glare or halos around lights (especially at night) during the adjustment period.
Toric Lenses (Astigmatism-Correcting)
If you have astigmatism (an irregular cornea), a toric IOL is a monofocal or multifocal lens that also corrects that curvature. This gives you sharper vision without glasses for the corrected distance. Toric lenses are also premium options (and often not covered by insurance). If you don’t choose a toric lens, your surgeon may use tiny incisions (LRI) or glasses to address astigmatism after surgery, but toric IOLs give the most precise correction. Generally, patients can expect to pay approximately $4,250 per eye.
Light-Adjustable Lenses (LALs)
A special IOL made of photosensitive material that can be finely adjusted after surgery. You have the lens implanted as usual, and then a few weeks later, it’s shaped to your exact prescription using controlled light treatments. LALs offer a custom range of vision and can “dial in” tiny tweaks, which helps significantly reduce the need for glasses. Due to their advanced technology, they cost approximately $ 5,500 + per eye and are not covered by insurance. However, they allow unique flexibility if your prescription changes slightly after surgery.
Types of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can be done the traditional way or with laser assistance. In both cases, the cataract is removed and an IOL is implanted, but the techniques differ.
Traditional Surgery
With traditional (Manual) cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a handheld ultrasound probe (phacoemulsification) to break up and remove the lens and uses small blades or instruments for incisions. This tried-and-true method is safe, effective, and typically lower cost. Because it’s the standard approach, insurance usually covers it fully (you pay your normal deductible/co-pays).
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
A high-precision femtosecond laser can perform some steps (like opening the lens capsule or softening the lens) under computer guidance. In theory, this can increase accuracy and consistency. However, laser cataract surgery is generally more expensive, and Medicare/insurers treat it as an elective upgrade. That means the extra cost is usually not covered by insurance. Patients who choose laser assistance pay out-of-pocket for the technology in addition to the standard surgery cost.
Factors Affecting Your Cost
Cataract surgery costs can vary widely depending on several key factors. Here’s what to consider:
1. Insurance Coverage
Most health plans and Medicare cover basic cataract surgery—removing the cloudy lens and implanting a standard monofocal IOL—because it’s medically necessary. Coverage typically includes the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and a standard lens. You’ll still be responsible for your deductible, co-payments, or co-insurance, just like with any other covered procedure. In short, insurance usually pays for the bulk of a routine cataract surgery, leaving you with your normal share of a covered medical expense.
2. Lens Upgrades
Anything beyond the basic lens is usually an additional out-of-pocket cost. Premium intraocular lenses (such as multifocal, toric, or light-adjustable lenses) and advanced techniques like laser-assisted surgery are not covered by insurance.
3. Deductibles and Co-Pays
Even for covered surgery, your plan’s deductible and co-pay or coinsurance still apply. If you haven’t met your deductible, you’ll need to pay that amount before coverage begins. After that, you may owe around 10–20% coinsurance or a set co-pay amount.
4. Post-Operative Needs
After surgery, you’ll have follow-up visits (often covered by insurance) and prescriptions for eye drops such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories. Some surgeons provide post-op kits with items like eye shields or pads—these may be included or billed as a small additional fee. Overall, these are minor compared to the main surgical costs.
5. Other Factors
Costs may also vary depending on location (urban vs. rural), facility type (hospital vs. surgery center), and the surgeon’s experience. Laser-assisted procedures generally cost more than traditional methods. Be sure you receive a full fee breakdown from your surgeon’s office.
Next Steps & Support From Our Team
Facing cataract surgery can be overwhelming, especially when balancing vision goals with the associated costs. Our team is here to address your concerns, answer your questions, and help you find an option that suits your needs. We can:
- Review your eye exam and recommend a lens type (monofocal, multifocal, toric, etc.) that fits your vision lifestyle.
- Explain what your insurance will cover and estimate any out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles or co-pays.
- Discuss financing or payment plans if needed for premium options.
- Schedule a convenient consultation and answer follow-up questions.
Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center prides itself on its doctors, reputation, and technology. We’ve provided state-of-the-art medical and surgical eye care in Arizona for over 35 years. Doctors at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center use the most advanced technologies and techniques to treat patients, and patients can expect compassionate and convenient care from the doctors at any of the Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center clinics.
For more information about cataracts, cataract surgery, and its associated costs, please call (602) 955-1000 or schedule an appointment online today.