A common cataract eye surgery at surgery center facility in California includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Ophthalmologist visit provider fee
First-time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$135 |
Provider fee to remove cataract and insert eye lens
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$959 |
Facility |
Surgery center fee to remove cataract and insert eye lens
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$1,469 |
Imaging |
Radiology fee for ultrasound of eye
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$136 |
Prescriptions |
KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE
Standard
Standard
|
5 |
$23 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$156 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
126 |
$292 |
Total average cash price |
|
A common cataract eye surgery at outpatient hospital facility in California includes
| |
Units |
Avg Cash price |
Provider |
Ophthalmologist visit provider fee
First-time visit
Standard
|
1 |
$135 |
Provider fee to remove cataract and insert eye lens
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$959 |
Facility |
Outpatient Hospital fee to remove cataract and insert eye lens
level 1
Standard
|
1 |
$2,933 |
Imaging |
Radiology fee for ultrasound of eye
Standard
Standard
|
1 |
$136 |
Prescriptions |
KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE
Standard
Standard
|
5 |
$23 |
Anesthesia |
Anesthesiologist fee to be "put under" for procedure
Level 2
Standard
|
1 |
$156 |
Anesthesiologist time to be "put under" for procedure
Per minute
Standard
|
126 |
$292 |
Total average cash price |
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
About the cataract eye surgery Average Cash Prices
This procedure is most commonly performed at either a surgery center or an outpatient hospital.
Surgery centers, also known as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), are independent, licensed medical
facilities that are governed by distinct regulatory requirements compared with a hospital. Procedures
performed at an ASCs are often less expensive than when they are performed at an outpatient hospital,
but they typically offer fewer complimentary services, and may not have the full-range of support
services that a hospital provides.
Outpatient facilities are outpatient departments or clinics that may be within or next to a hospital,
but is owned and run by the affiliated hospital. These facilities can perform surgical treatments and
procedures that do not require an overnight stay. Procedures performed at an outpatient hospital are
often more expensive than when they are performed in an ambulatory surgery center, but outpatient
hospitals may offer more complimentary and support services for patients because they are connected to
the hospital system.
