Cataracts are among the leading cause of vision loss in the US. The condition is often age-related, and is common in people over the age of 40, so it should come as no surprise that each year upwards of 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery. But how much is cataract surgery, and what are your out-of-pocket costs likely to be?
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the eye’s cloudy natural lens, and replacing it with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens, or IOL. The condition is often characterized by blurriness, decreased depth perception, and partial loss of vision.
Cost of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery may be required for one or both eyes. The cost varies depending on the type of IOL selected, whether monofocal, multi-focal, or astigmatism correcting IOLs. The cost is also influenced by who is performing the surgery, as well as the cost of living standards of the area in which you live.
Insurance Coverage for Cataract Surgery
Most health insurance policies cover the cost to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a monofocal lens. However they typically don’t cover all the costs for implanting a multifocal or other advanced lens.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is covered under Medicare part B. Medicare takes care of a portion of the cost of cataract surgery, particularly aspects that are considered medically necessary, such as implanting a standard IOL. However if you choose to implant a more advanced lens such as a multifocal IOL, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the additional costs (learn more).
Cataract surgery is available at the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery, Lighthouse Point, FL. Visit the website at www.oculaser.com/fort-lauderdale-cataract-center/cataract-surgery-cost/ to find out the cost of cataract surgery there. Call (954) 786-5353 today and schedule an appointment with Michael Loeffler, MD.