How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

Cataract surgery is billed at roughly $3,500 to $7,000 per eye with a standard (monofocal) lens. Because cataracts are usually removed one eye at a time, that is a per-eye figure. Medicare and most insurance cover the standard procedure, so with coverage you typically owe only your coinsurance or copay up to your out-of-pocket maximum, not the full billed amount.

Yes. Cataract surgery is medically necessary once a cataract affects your vision, so Medicare and essentially all commercial insurance cover the standard procedure and a basic monofocal lens. Under Medicare Part B you pay 20% coinsurance after the deductible unless you have a supplement. Premium lens upgrades are the main thing insurance does not cover.

Insurance covers a standard monofocal lens that corrects distance vision. If you choose a premium lens (toric for astigmatism, or a multifocal or extended-depth lens to reduce your need for glasses), you pay the upgrade out of pocket, usually $1,500 to $4,000 per eye on top of the covered surgery. It is an elective choice, not a requirement for successful surgery.

Self-pay cataract surgery is commonly $3,000 to $6,000 per eye at an ambulatory surgery center, and more at a hospital. Ask surgery centers for an all-inclusive cash price (surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and lens), and get quotes from more than one, since prices vary widely. An ambulatory surgery center is almost always cheaper than a hospital outpatient department.

Have it done at an ambulatory surgery center rather than a hospital, stick with the covered standard lens unless a premium lens is worth it to you, get itemized cash quotes from more than one center if you are self-pay, and confirm your surgeon and facility are in-network. If you get a surprise or inflated bill, have it reviewed. CareRoute Bill Defense reviews and negotiates these bills with no fee unless we save you money.