Costs of cataract surgery
The cost of cataract surgery varies and depends on the type of cataract surgery [5], the expertise of the cataract surgeon, and the type of IOL implanted. However, cataract surgery cost is mostly covered by Medicare if you are Medicare eligible. Private insurance will also cover cataract surgery.
Although, there might be a requirement of your vision test to meet a certain level of acuity or clarity before Medicare will decide to cover the cost. The same goes for private insurance. Even if your surgery is covered you may still have some cost, however, it will not be as much anymore. Special types of IOLs will need you to add some more money, choosing to have cataract surgery early before your vision has deteriorated enough will also cost more.
With Medicare health insurance you will not have to worry about the cost of extraction of the cataract, implantation of standard, monofocal lens, and a pair of prescription glasses. You would still be responsible for at least 20% of the cost and since a standard cataract surgery may cost about $3500, you will be responsible for$700.
If you don’t have Medicare or private insurance you should ask about payment plans from your doctor’s office. Some employers provide flexible spending account that helps.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery is very safe surgery, as long as it is performed by a professional. The chances of complications are low. However, you should still discuss the risks with your doctor. Cataract surgery should not be done without your ophthalmologist’s approval.
References
[1] http://www.my.clavelandclinic.org/health/disease/8589-cataracts
[2] aao.org/eye-health/treatment/iols-intraocular-lens
[3] webmd.com/eye-health/glaucoma-eyes
[4] http://www.aao.org/eye-health/disease/amd-macular-degeneration
[5] ucfhealth.com/our-services/ophthalmology/cataract-surgery-cost/