Cataract Surgery: Procedure, Cost and Financing Breakdown

If you're experiencing blurry vision and glare or have difficulty seeing clearly, especially at night, you may have developed cataracts. Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, and cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures to correct this issue.¹

Here’s a detailed look at what cataract surgery entails and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedure.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to remove the eye's clouded natural lens, which is replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).²

This surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts, which can significantly impair vision over time.³

The procedure typically takes less than an hour, is performed under local anesthesia and has a high success rate.²

Types of cataract surgery

Depending on the type of cataract, the lens may be removed in several ways:²

• Phacoemulsification (Phaco). This is the most common type of cataract surgery.¹ Phacoemulsification uses an ultrasonic device to break the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then suctioned out. The IOL is then inserted into the eye through an incision.
• Extracapsular cataract surgery. This technique is used for more advanced cataracts and involves removing the cloudy lens in one piece through a larger incision. The artificial lens is then placed in the eye.
• Laser surgery. This procedure uses a laser instead of a scalpel to make incisions in the eye and soften the cataract. A laser is sometimes used for accuracy and faster recovery.

Types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)

The IOL recommended for you by your eye doctor will depend on several factors, including your current eyesight and lifestyle needs.⁴

• Monofocal IOLs are the most common type and are designed to provide clear vision at a fixed distance, either near or far. Some people may opt for clear distance vision and use reading glasses for near tasks.⁴

• Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, a common condition that causes blurred vision due to the uneven shape of the cornea. Toric lenses can improve distance vision and reduce the need for glasses or contacts.⁴

• Presbyopia IOLs, sometimes called multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses, improve vision in multiple zones of focus, allowing for clearer vision at far and near distances and reducing the need for distance or reading glasses after cataract surgery.⁴

How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?

The national average cost* of cataract surgery can range between $3,400 and $11,730. Cataract surgery costs can vary based on the surgeon’s experience, whether the procedure is done in an outpatient clinic or hospital, your geographic location and what type of intraocular lens is recommended for your needs and lifestyle.⁵

Average single lens cataract surgery cost by state/district

Here’s a look at the average cost* of cataract surgery by type of intraocular lens for one eye across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁵

Does Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Most health insurance plans cover cataract surgery when it is deemed medically necessary. Standard monofocal IOLs are typically covered, but you may need to pay out of pocket if you opt for premium lenses like toric or multifocal IOLs, which can correct astigmatism or presbyopia.⁴

It’s essential to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage details and any potential costs for upgraded lenses.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery?

Your eye doctor might suggest cataract surgery if your cataracts are causing blurred or cloudy vision that interferes with daily activities like reading or driving.³ Your cataracts can also cause an increased sensitivity to light and glare.

Cataract surgery may also be necessary to treat other conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.³

Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam.² Good candidates for cataract surgery are generally in good health, as certain medical conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration could complicate recovery.² If you have cataracts in both eyes, keep in mind you’ll need to have surgery on each eye separately, generally about a month apart.³

Many people have cataracts for several years without having surgery to correct them if the cataracts are not causing vision problems. If cataracts begin interfering with your quality of life, your eye doctor will likely recommend surgery.²

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

It's important to understand the process of cataract surgery. Here's what you might expect during your procedure.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you’ll undergo a comprehensive eye exam, which will include measurements of your eye to determine the appropriate power and type of intraocular lens (IOL). You might receive instructions to stop certain medications like blood thinners before surgery. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to prevent infection or inflammation. Your doctor might also require you to stop eating or drinking for several hours before surgery.³

On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothing and avoid makeup, lotions and perfumes. Your doctor may have you clean your eyelids and lashes with a special soap to kill germs.³

You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as your vision will be affected for a short time, and you’ll be unable to drive.³

Procedure

Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes about one hour.³

Adults are usually awake during cataract surgery, and while you may discern lights or motion, you’ll be unable to see what your doctor is doing. You may receive medicine to help you stay relaxed during the procedure.³

Local anesthesia is applied in the form of eye drops or an injection, so you shouldn't feel pain during the surgery. A small incision is made in the eye, and the clouded lens is removed through the process of phacoemulsification or extracapsular surgery, as discussed above.²

The artificial IOL is inserted through the incision and placed in the same location as the natural lens.² After the procedure, your eye is bandaged, and you’ll be monitored briefly before going home.³

Recovery

Follow your doctor’s prescribed care for a smooth recovery after cataract surgery.

You may be given a patch to wear over the affected eye until your follow-up visit.² Your doctor may prescribe eye drops, which should be used as instructed to prevent infection.² Your eye might feel itchy, dry or sensitive to light or touch, which usually resolves within one to two days.³

Make sure you wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes for at least a week.² You’ll want to refrain from heavy lifting, bending or strenuous activity during the first few weeks of recovery.³ Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from bright light.²

Nine out of 10 people see better after cataract surgery, but your vision may take a few days to stabilize while your eye heals.³ Full recovery can take as long as one to two months.¹ Most patients can go back to work with light duties within two to three days after cataract surgery.¹ You can resume driving once your doctor has given the green light.²

You may have three or four follow-up appointments with your eye doctor to ensure you’re healing properly.¹

Many people find their vision improves dramatically after cataract surgery, especially if they have chosen multifocal or toric IOLs designed to correct vision problems like astigmatism.⁴ However, some patients may still need glasses for reading or distance vision, depending on the type of IOL used.⁴ After about four weeks, you can get an eye exam to be fitted for new glasses or contacts if needed.¹

Possible Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

While cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S., as with any surgery, there is the possibility of potential side effects.³

Some patients may experience swelling, bleeding or infection; vision loss or double vision; changes in eye pressure or retinal detachment.³

In some cases, a secondary cataract may develop months or even years later.³ This after-cataract happens if scar tissue forms and blurs your vision.¹ These secondary cataracts are typically treated by your eye doctor with a laser.³

The Bottom Line

Cataract surgery is a highly effective procedure to restore vision by replacing the eye's clouded natural lens with an artificial one, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with impaired vision due to cataracts. If cataracts are affecting your daily activities, consult your eye doctor to see if cataract surgery is right for you.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Cataract Surgery

Whether you’re paying for eye surgery or getting an eye exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for care where your insurance leaves off.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a vision specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to vision care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.