Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, with roughly 4 million procedures annually. It is also one of the most price-variable: the total per eye ranges from roughly $1,500 at an ambulatory surgery center with a basic monofocal lens to $6,000 or more at a hospital with a premium multifocal or toric lens. The difference is almost entirely driven by the lens.
The sample quote
| Line Item | Monofocal (Basic) | Multifocal / Toric (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | $1,000 - $2,000 | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Facility / OR fee | $800 - $1,500 | $800 - $1,500 |
| Anesthesia (topical + IV sedation) | $300 - $600 | $300 - $600 |
| Intraocular lens (IOL) | $50 - $300 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Pre-op measurements (biometry, topography) | $100 - $300 | $200 - $500 |
| Post-op drops (antibiotic + anti-inflammatory) | $50 - $150 | $50 - $150 |
| Total per eye | $2,300 - $4,850 | $4,350 - $9,250 |
The IOL is the line item that separates a $3,000 cataract surgery from a $7,000 one. A standard monofocal lens costs the surgeon $50 to $300. A premium multifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), or toric (astigmatism-correcting) lens costs $1,500 to $3,500. The premium lens is never covered by Medicare or standard insurance. It is always a patient upgrade, billed directly to the patient as the difference between the basic and premium lens.
The lens comparison
IOL Cost to Patient by Lens Type
Patient-facing lens upgrade cost. Monofocal is covered by Medicare/insurance; premium upgrade is always out of pocket.
What your cataract quote should answer
- Is the IOL upgrade fee shown separately from the surgeon's fee?
- Does the quote cover both eyes or one? Most surgeons operate on each eye separately, 1 to 4 weeks apart.
- Are pre-op measurements (biometry, OPD, topography) included or billed separately?
- What is the YAG laser capsulotomy policy? 10-20% of patients need this follow-up within 2 years. Is it included?
- Are post-op prescription drops included or do you fill them at a pharmacy?
- If the lens needs to be exchanged (rare), who covers the cost?
Elsewhere in the network
Resources on colombialasik.com covers vision correction procedures including cataract surgery in Colombia.