How much does cataract surgery cost?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the country, and it's usually planned, so you can shop. As of mid-2026, the negotiated facility price has a median around $2,650 per eye, with most hospitals between $1,400 and $5,750. The cash (self-pay) median is around $3,000. See cataract surgery prices →
That's the facility fee per eye — and most people have each eye done separately, so budget accordingly.
What Medicare and insurance cover
Standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance, because it's medically necessary once a cataract affects your vision. With insurance you'll typically owe your deductible and coinsurance rather than the full price. How deductibles and coinsurance work →
The premium-lens upsell
The biggest swing in what you pay is the lens. A standard monofocal lens is covered. Premium lenses — toric (for astigmatism) or multifocal (to reduce glasses use) — are generally not covered, and the upgrade can add $1,000–$4,000 per eye out of pocket. It can be worth it, but make sure it's a choice you make, not a default you're billed for.
Surgery center vs. hospital
Most cataract surgery is outpatient and often done at an ambulatory surgery center, which is usually cheaper than a hospital outpatient department for the same procedure. Ask where yours will be done.
How to pay less
- Compare a few facilities — the facility price varies several-fold for identical surgery.
- Ask whether a standard lens meets your needs before paying for a premium upgrade.
- Ask for the self-pay price if you're uninsured, and get it in writing.
- Confirm what's bundled — surgeon and anesthesia may be billed separately from the facility fee.
A note on accuracy
Figures come straight from hospitals' published price files (45 CFR §180), not estimates. Your actual cost depends on the facility, your lens choice, and your plan. How we source this →
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most insurance once a cataract affects your vision. You'll generally owe your deductible and coinsurance rather than the full price, but premium lens upgrades are not covered.
Why was I quoted thousands extra for a lens?
Standard monofocal lenses are covered, but premium lenses — toric for astigmatism or multifocal to reduce glasses use — usually aren't, and can add $1,000 to $4,000 per eye out of pocket. Make sure the upgrade is a choice you're making, not a default.
How much is cataract surgery without insurance?
The self-pay price has a median around $3,000 per eye, with most hospitals between roughly $850 and $8,600. Ambulatory surgery centers are often cheaper than hospitals, so it pays to compare.
Is cataract surgery cheaper at a surgery center?
Usually. Most cataract surgery is outpatient and frequently done at an ambulatory surgery center, which tends to cost less than a hospital outpatient department for the same procedure.
Related
- Cataract surgery prices
- Cash vs. negotiated vs. chargemaster
- Why hospital prices vary so much
- Browse all procedures
Prices in this guide are as of June 2026 and link to the live page for current figures. Published data is for comparison, not a quote — always confirm with the hospital. Spotted something off? Submit a correction.