| StateName |
Average Cash Price |
| Alabama |
$3,134
|
| Alaska |
$4,241
|
| Arizona |
$3,547
|
| Arkansas |
$3,107
|
| California |
$3,892
|
| Colorado |
$3,426
|
| Connecticut |
$3,749
|
| Delaware |
$3,643
|
| District of Columbia |
$3,611
|
| Florida |
$3,441
|
| Georgia |
$3,225
|
| Hawaii |
$3,262
|
| Idaho |
$3,170
|
| Illinois |
$3,598
|
| Indiana |
$3,282
|
| Iowa |
$2,983
|
| Kansas |
$3,089
|
| Kentucky |
$3,161
|
| Louisiana |
$3,507
|
| Maine |
$3,168
|
| Maryland |
$3,730
|
| Massachusetts |
$3,844
|
| Michigan |
$3,541
|
| Minnesota |
$3,985
|
| Mississippi |
$3,188
|
| Missouri |
$3,150
|
| Montana |
$3,277
|
| Nebraska |
$3,203
|
| Nevada |
$3,384
|
| New Hampshire |
$3,394
|
| New Jersey |
$4,112
|
| New Mexico |
$3,125
|
| New York |
$3,869
|
| North Carolina |
$3,105
|
| North Dakota |
$3,451
|
| Ohio |
$3,229
|
| Oklahoma |
$3,455
|
| Oregon |
$3,524
|
| Pennsylvania |
$3,637
|
| Rhode Island |
$3,877
|
| South Carolina |
$3,309
|
| South Dakota |
$3,083
|
| Tennessee |
$3,110
|
| Texas |
$3,361
|
| Utah |
$3,502
|
| Vermont |
$3,438
|
| Virginia |
$3,345
|
| Washington |
$3,731
|
| West Virginia |
$3,347
|
| Wisconsin |
$3,533
|
| Wyoming |
$3,439
|
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes cataracts affecting your vision. During this surgery, the lens that has become cloudy is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens.
Because cataracts build up gradually, cataract surgery is elective. Once cataracts have progressed to a point where they interfere with your everyday activities, it may be time for surgery. Cataracts may also be removed if you have other eye conditions challenging to evaluate because of cataracts. For example, cataracts make it difficult to see the back of the eye to monitor macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
How painful is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is not painful at all. Anesthetic medications are given in the form of eye drops that numb the eye or with a small anesthetic block around the eye area. In some cases, general anesthesia, where you are completely asleep, may be used, but this is usually reserved for instances where you cannot hold still during the procedure. Often your doctor will give you a mild sedative to help you stay relaxed during the cataract surgery.
After surgery, your eyes might feel slightly irritated. This is usually easily managed with over-the-counter medicines for pain.
Are you awake during cataract surgery?
Most people are awake during cataract surgery. However, your doctor will usually give you a sedative to help you stay relaxed. Sometimes you’ll be given additional medicine in an IV. The sedative will make you feel groggy, and many people report they don’t remember anything about the surgery.
How long does it take for you to recover from cataract surgery?
Most patients can see well within just a few days of their cataract surgery, but total healing will take up to three months. Cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. You’ll go home right after your surgery. After just a few days, you will no longer feel any eye irritation even though your eyes are still healing.
What kinds of complications may occur after cataract surgery?
All surgery has some risk; however, cataract surgery is very safe, and complications are uncommon. Potential complications include:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Drooping eyelid
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Dislocation of an artificial lens
- Formation of a secondary cataract
- Loss of vision
What activities should you avoid after cataract surgery? And for how long?
Most people may resume their normal activities within 24 hours of cataract surgery. Your doctor should give you specific instructions after your surgery, but in general, follow these guidelines:
- Don’t drive for 24 hours after your surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks.
- Immediately after surgery, avoid bending over, which puts pressure on the eye.
- Try not to sneeze or vomit right after surgery.
- Don’t swim or use a hot tub for one week after surgery.
- Avoid eye irritants like pollen, dust, wind, and dirt for a few weeks after surgery.
- Don’t rub your eyes after surgery.
