Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, causing vision impairment as well as difficulty in daily activities. When it occurs, surgery is the only way out. Cataract surgery can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 per eye without insurance. Insurance may cover 80% of these costs if available. The problem may be that you have to pay for the lenses too because sometimes they are not covered and might add an extra $1,000–$2,500. So, if you are considering cataract surgery, you may wanna weigh surgery options and cost estimates and also check the cataract lens price list.
In this blog, we discuss some important aspects such as types of cataract surgery options, costs, risks, recovery, and financing choices to pay for your surgery without insurance.
Types of Cataract Surgery with Key Advantages and Risks
Cataract surgery technique to be used differs based on the patient's individual needs. Hence, it requires careful evaluation to determine the best option.
| Type of Cataract Surgery | Description | Key Advantages | Risks/ Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phacoemulsification | Phaco is the most common procedure. It involves small 2–3 mm incisions to clear cataracts. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. | Minimally invasive Shorter recovery time | Not suitable for very hard/dense cataracts Risk of corneal damage |
| FLACS (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery) | A minimally invasive procedure using a laser to soften and remove cataracts. | High accuracy Fastest recovery | More expensive than Phaco May not be covered by insurance. |
| ECCE (Extracapsular Cataract Extraction) | Removes cataracts in one piece through a larger incision. A part of the lens is left intact in place for artificial IOL implantation. | Better stability for the artificial lens Helps maintain sound eye structure | Requires a larger incision Best for dense or hard-to-remove cataracts. |
| MSICS (Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery) | A cost-effective procedure using a smaller incision than ECCE to remove cataracts. Results depend heavily on the surgeon's skill. | Affordable & less technology-reliant Effective for white or hard cataracts Fast recovery | Requires a highly skilled surgeon Risk of induced astigmatism |
Cataract Surgery Costs Can Differ Based on the Technology Used
| Type of Cataract Surgery Procedure | Average Expenses with Insurance | Cataract Surgery Cost without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery | 20% copay + lens cost | $3,000–$5,000 per eye |
| Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) | Not covered by insurance | $4,000–$6,000 per eye |
| Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) | $258–$587 (80% coverage) | $3,000–$5,000 per eye |
| Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) | Deductible and 20% copay | Mostly covered, with up to $316 out-of-pocket costs |
Lens Options for Cataract Surgery with Cost
Here’s a cataract lens price list with estimated costs for different types of lenses:
| Lens Options | Ideal For | Cost Range (per eye) |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal Lenses | When each eye has a different focusing power. Only recommended if the patient is used to wearing monovision glasses. | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Multifocal Lenses | Fix vision for near and far (may not be covered by insurance) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) | Has a single focal point that improves far- and mid-range vision | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Toric | Corrects astigmatism (may not be covered) | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Light-Adjustable Lenses | Customized after surgery to refine vision as per the patient’s specific needs | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Accommodative IOLs | Similar to natural lenses, these lenses adjust to your eye shape to help you see near or far objects. | $1,200–$3,500 |
Do I Need to Pay Out-of-Pocket Costs for Cataract Surgery with Insurance?
Yes, even with insurance to assist, patients may have to pay deductibles or copays and the cost of lenses, which can run up the cost from $1800 to $2800. You may pay this amount from your savings, FHA, or FSA account (if applicable) or work out a payment plan with your provider. Nowadays, many providers offer Credee, a no-credit-check payment plan option. This option is often more manageable than paying all at once.
How to Pay for Cataract Surgery Without Insurance?
There are several options, including:
1. HSA (Health Savings Account)
Let Your Savings Work for You
For those covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), using an HSA is viable. It will give you some tax benefits while providing for your medical expenses. So, if you are contributing to one, this is a great method to pay for your cataract surgery. The HSA will take most of the financial burden away without affecting your monthly cash flow.
2. FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
Make Use of Employer-Provided Benefits
FSAs offer a practical way to prepare financially while enjoying tax benefits. It helps save pre-tax money specifically for medical expenses. If either you or your spouse is eligible, talk to your employer about how much you can contribute and when you can use your funds. This way, you can regularly save money for the surgery while getting the tax advantage.
Just remember to check your FSA balance and deadline. If you’ve been saving for healthcare expenses, this can be the ideal option to pay.
Ready for LASIK? Learn About Cost and Accessible Payment Options.
3. Medical Credit Cards
Quick Financing for Immediate Needs
Medical credit cards (such as CareCredit or AccessOne) allow you to finance medical expenses and pay over time. Typically, you need a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify. Medical credit cards can reduce immediate stress by spreading costs over time, but careful management is essential to avoid financial pitfalls. It’s best to have a repayment plan in place to avoid high interest.
4. Flexible Payment Plans
A No Credit Check, Budget-Friendly Option
For patients seeking flexibility without the barriers of credit checks, no-credit-check payment plans like Credee’s are an excellent choice. These help break down the cost of cataract surgery into small, predictable monthly payments. This option ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of receiving essential care.
Simply inquire from your healthcare provider whether they offer no-credit-check financing options if you prefer paying with this method.
Cataract Surgery Procedure and Results
| What is the surgery like: | It’s an outpatient procedure that takes 15-20 minutes per eye. No overnight stay is needed. |
| What to expect after cataract surgery: | It’s a painless procedure, however, mild itching and irritation are common until 24–48 hours post-surgery. |
| When are the results visible: | You may notice vision improvement a day after the procedure. However, you may need to keep your eyes shielded for 1-2 weeks following the surgery. |
| Additional precautions: | Patients need eye drops for four to six weeks after surgery to ensure the eyes heal properly and prevent the risk of infection. |
| What is the average recovery time: | Full recovery usually takes 1–2 months. |
| Follow-up visits: | 1st appointment is required a day after surgery. The next appointments are usually after 1 week, 1 month, and 6 weeks after the procedure to assess vision improvement. |
What Are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?
Postoperative complications following cataract surgery rarely occur, though most of them can be treated easily, such as:
- Swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Drooping eyelid
- Artificial lens displacement
- Retinal displaced (aka retinal detachment)
- Loss of vision
If, for any reason, cataract surgery does not lead to improved vision, this could be due to other conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. It is, therefore, best to get them checked out before going in for cataract surgery.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost Across Major Countries?
The cost of cataract surgery notably differs in various countries depending on the location, technology used, and standards of healthcare in the area. Below is the cost of cataract surgery in UK, Australia and other countries compared to the USA.
| Country | Estimated Cost (per eye) | In USD |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $3,500–$7,000 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| UK | £3,495–£4,725 | $4,381–$5,924 |
| Australia | $2,000–$4,300 | $1,250–$2,700+ |
| New Zealand | $4,150–$7,500 | $2,345–$4,200+ |
| Spain | €1,500–€3,500 | $2,568–$3,669 |
| Germany | €2,000–€5,900 | $2,084–$6,510 |
| Thailand | 69,300 to 191,000 baht | $2,028–$5,591 |
Bottom Line
When cataracts appear and make it difficult to carry on your daily activities, it’s best to plan for your cataract surgery costs. It’s crucial to understand the various surgery options and compare costs and financing options to make an informed financial decision. Consult with your trusted eye specialist regarding the best treatment and payment options that suit your needs to take the next step toward restoring your sight.
Ready to take the next step? Learn all about how Credee payment plans can help you achieve your vision goals.
Schedule A DemoCataract Surgery FAQs: More Insights Here
1. How Long Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye?
Usually, surgeons recommend resting 1–2 weeks before getting cataract surgery on your second eye so the first one can properly heal. This strategy helps minimize disruptions in your daily life while your first eye adjusts to the new lens.
2. When Will My Vision Get Back to Normal After Surgery?
You may expect your vision to remain blurry for the first 24 hours. Though you might begin to note some improvements in your vision within 1-2 days after the surgery. Prescription eyeglasses or lenses might still be needed for clear vision.
3. How Much Does Insurance Cover?
Insurance can cover up to 80% of the costs of standard cataract surgery, while for laser surgery it may not be applicable or may cover 20% of the costs at most. So, you may need to explore your options for financing your eye surgery needs.
4. What Is the Best Way to Pay for Cataract Surgery Cost Without Insurance?
If the cataract surgery option you choose falls out of the scope of insurance, most providers offer alternative financing options. For instance, Credee payment plans make it easy for clients to pay conveniently in monthly payments and don't require any credit checks for approval.
5. How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in Australia?
Cataract surgery costs are in the range of $2000-$4300 (in AU dollars), which can be around USD 1250–2700+. The real price, however, can vary based on the clinic, city, and other variables.
