Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes the eye's cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). It's the most performed surgery in the U.S.
- Success rate
- 98%
- Avg cost (US)
- $3,500–$7,000/eye
- Recovery
- 1–3 days
- US volume / yr
- ~4,000,000
Browse verified lasik & ophthalmology providers who offer this procedure.
Adults with vision loss from cataracts that affects driving, reading, or daily life.
15–30 minutes per eye under topical anesthesia and light sedation. Eyes treated on separate days.
Improved vision within 1–3 days. Full stability at 4–6 weeks. Eye drops for several weeks.
Standard IOL fully covered by Medicare and most insurance. Premium multifocal or toric IOLs add $1,500–$4,000 per eye.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which IOL do you recommend for my lifestyle?
- How many cataract surgeries do you perform annually?
- Do you offer femtosecond-laser assistance?
- Will I still need glasses?
Frequently asked
It has a >98% success rate and is one of the safest surgeries performed today.
The lens itself doesn't return, but a secondary membrane clouding (PCO) is common and treated with a quick in-office YAG laser.
Depends on your priorities: monofocal (best distance), multifocal (glasses-free at multiple ranges), toric (astigmatism correction).
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General information only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for your specific situation.