Cataract Surgery Costs
Medicare Coverage
In May of 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a ruling allowing Medicare beneficiaries undergoing cataract surgery to choose, at an added fee, a presbyopiaPresbyopia: An age-related condition in which the eye loses its ability to focus properly, resulting in blurred close-range vision. The individual is no longer able to read clearly and typically requires reading glasses or corrective contact lenses.-correcting IOL that provides distance, intermediate and near vision with reduced spectacle dependence. The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL qualifies under this ruling.
Under the new policy, Medicare will continue providing existing reimbursement amounts for cataract surgery, and patients may elect to pay additional charges for advanced technology lenses such as the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL. For more information about your Medicare options, contact your doctor's office.
Private Insurance
Insurance policies vary, but most private insurance companies cover cataract surgery with a conventional, monofocal IOLMonofocal IOL: An intraocular lens that provides patients with only one focal point. Typically, these lenses only correct distance vision. . However, some insurance companies are following the lead of Medicare and are offering patients the choice to pay for the additional costs associated with the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® multifocal IOL Multifocal IOL: An intraocular lens that provides patients with multiple focal points, correcting vision at a range of distances.. To learn what is covered under your current insurance policy, contact your primary insurance provider or your doctor's office.
Glossary Terms
Roll over the bold purple text to view the definition. A full listing of terms is available in the glossary.