Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
Cataracts are a common part of aging, but blurry vision doesn’t have to be permanent. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and effective procedures in the world—but how much does it actually cost?
Let’s break down what you can expect to pay for cataract removal, both with and without insurance, and what factors impact the price.
Average Cost of Cataract Surgery (Per Eye)
Type of Cataract Surgery |
Typical Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
Standard Cataract Surgery (Monofocal IOL) |
$3,500 – $5,500 |
Laser-Assisted Surgery |
$4,000 – $6,500 |
Premium IOLs (Multifocal, Toric) |
$5,500 – $7,500+ |
📄 These prices include surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, standard IOL lens, and post-op care. Premium lenses or advanced technologies cost extra.
Cataract Surgery with Insurance 📄
Insurance Type |
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|
Medicare (with Part B) |
$0 – $1,000 per eye (standard surgery) |
Private Insurance (Employer/Marketplace) |
$300 – $1,500 per eye |
Medicaid |
Often fully covered, varies by state |
🔹 Insurance typically covers standard cataract surgery with a monofocal lens. Upgrades to premium lenses or laser techniques are usually out-of-pocket.
What’s Included in the Base Price? 👥
Component |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Surgeon’s Fee |
$1,000 – $2,000 |
Facility / OR Fee |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
Anesthesia |
$200 – $500 |
IOL Implant (Standard) |
Included in base price |
Post-Op Care (1–3 visits) |
Usually included |
🚫 If complications arise, or you need additional procedures, that can increase your total.
Premium Upgrades That Add Cost 📉
Upgrade Option |
Add-On Price (Per Eye) |
|---|---|
Multifocal IOLs |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
Toric IOLs (Astigmatism Correction) |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Surgery |
$1,000 – $2,000 |
These upgrades can improve vision outcomes—often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses—but they are not considered medically necessary, so you’ll pay out of pocket.
How to Save on Cataract Removal 🎁
✅ Use Medicare Wisely
- Medicare covers standard surgery with a monofocal lens if it’s deemed medically necessary.
✅ Ask About Self-Pay Discounts
- Many clinics offer cash-pay packages for uninsured patients or for premium upgrades.
✅ Shop Around
- Prices vary drastically by provider and facility. Always get a quote with a full breakdown.
✅ Use HSA or FSA Funds
- You can use pre-tax dollars to cover premium lenses and out-of-pocket expenses.
Is Cataract Surgery Worth It? 🤔
Absolutely. It’s:
- Safe and fast (15–30 minute procedure)
- Extremely effective at restoring clear vision
- Often the only solution for advanced lens clouding
Most patients report better vision within days, and recovery is typically quick with minimal discomfort.
Final Thoughts 😎
Cataract surgery costs between $3,500 and $7,500 per eye without insurance, but is often partially or fully covered if it’s medically necessary. Just be ready to pay extra for premium lenses or laser-assisted methods.
Have you had cataract surgery? Share your cost, outcome, and any tips for others in the comments! 💬
