How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost? (2026 Guide)
March 10, 2026 · Procedure Costs · 10 min read
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States — over 4 million procedures annually. It's also one of the most successful, with a 95%+ success rate. But the cost can vary enormously depending on your facility, lens choice, and insurance.
Based on negotiated rate data from 976 facilities, the national median cost for cataract surgery (CPT 66984) is $2,944 per eye. Most facilities charge between $1,637 and $4,710, with prices ranging from $850 to over $8,087.
And since most patients eventually need both eyes done, the total cost doubles.
National Cataract Surgery Cost Data (2026)
| Metric | Amount (per eye) |
|---|---|
| National Median | $2,944 |
| National Average | $3,849 |
| Typical Range (25th–75th percentile) | $1,637 – $4,710 |
| Low End (10th percentile) | $850 |
| High End (90th percentile) | $8,087 |
| Facilities Analyzed | 976 |
Data source: Negotiated rates from facility price transparency files, analyzed by Taven Health. Prices reflect facility fees for CPT 66984 (standard phacoemulsification with IOL insertion). Surgeon fees and anesthesia may be billed separately.
Compare cataract surgery costs at facilities near you →
Total Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost (per eye) |
|---|---|
| Facility/ASC fee | $1,637 – $4,710 |
| Surgeon fee | $500 – $2,000 |
| Anesthesia (topical + IV sedation) | $300 – $800 |
| Standard IOL (monofocal) | Included |
| Pre/post-op visits | $200 – $500 |
| Total (standard, per eye) | $3,500 – $7,000 |
Standard vs. Premium Cataract Surgery
There are two tiers of cataract surgery, and the cost difference is substantial:
Standard Cataract Surgery
- Manual (ultrasound) phacoemulsification
- Standard monofocal IOL (you'll still need reading glasses)
- Cost: $3,500–$7,000 per eye
- Covered by insurance/Medicare
Premium/Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
- Femtosecond laser-assisted procedure
- Premium IOL (multifocal, toric, extended depth of focus)
- Cost: $5,000–$10,000+ per eye
- Upgrade costs NOT covered by insurance — you pay the difference
Premium Lens Upgrade Costs
| Lens Type | Upgrade Cost (per eye) |
|---|---|
| Monofocal (standard) | $0 (covered) |
| Toric (astigmatism correction) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Multifocal / Trifocal | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Laser assist add-on | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Factors That Affect Cataract Surgery Cost
1. Facility Type
Most cataract surgeries are performed at ambulatory surgery centers, which are significantly cheaper than hospital-based operating rooms. If your surgeon operates at both, choose the ASC.
2. Lens Choice
Standard monofocal lenses are included in the base cost. Premium lenses add $1,500–$3,000 per eye — entirely out of pocket.
3. Laser-Assisted vs. Manual
Femtosecond laser adds $1,000–$2,000 per eye. Insurance doesn't cover the upgrade. Research is mixed on whether laser-assisted provides meaningfully better outcomes for standard cases.
4. Geographic Location
Urban markets charge more. Cataract surgery in a major city may cost 2x what it costs in a suburban or rural area.
5. Surgeon Experience
High-volume cataract surgeons may charge more, but they also tend to have better outcomes and fewer complications. For something as important as your vision, this may be worth the premium.
Cataract Surgery Cost With Medicare
Medicare covers standard cataract surgery as medically necessary. Here's what you'll pay:
- Part B deductible: $257 (2026) — once per year
- Part B coinsurance: 20% of Medicare-approved amount
- Typical out-of-pocket per eye: $300–$600 for standard surgery
- Premium lens upgrade: $1,500–$3,000 additional (not covered)
- One pair of eyeglasses or contacts: Covered after surgery
Tip: If you need both eyes done, scheduling the second eye in the same calendar year means you've already met your Part B deductible.
Cataract Surgery Cost With Private Insurance
- Before deductible: Full negotiated rate for the base surgery
- After deductible: Typically 20% coinsurance, so $400–$1,000 per eye
- Premium upgrades: Not covered — full cost out of pocket
How to Save on Cataract Surgery
1. Compare Facility Prices
Our data shows a range from $850 to $8,087. Compare prices at facilities near you.
2. Choose an ASC
Ambulatory surgery centers cost significantly less than hospital-based facilities for cataract surgery.
3. Consider Standard Lenses
Standard monofocal IOLs have an excellent track record. If you're comfortable wearing reading glasses afterward, you can save $1,500–$3,000 per eye by skipping premium lenses.
4. Schedule Both Eyes Same Year
You only pay your deductible once per calendar year. Doing both eyes in the same year saves on deductible costs.
5. Ask About Cash-Pay Pricing
Some surgery centers offer competitive cash-pay packages for cataract surgery, especially for the premium upgrades.
6. Use Your HSA/FSA
Cataract surgery — including premium lens upgrades — is an eligible HSA/FSA expense, saving you 20–35% through tax benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The facility fee has a national median of $2,944 per eye. Total cost for standard surgery is typically $3,500–$7,000 per eye.
Yes, standard cataract surgery is covered. You pay the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance. Premium lens upgrades are not covered.
Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric, EDOF) add $1,500–$3,000 per eye on top of the base surgery cost.
Laser adds $1,000–$2,000 per eye. Research shows comparable outcomes for standard cases. It may offer benefits for complex cataracts or when combined with premium lenses.
The Bottom Line
Cataract surgery costs a median of $2,944 per eye (facility fee), with total costs of $3,500–$7,000 for standard and $5,000–$10,000+ for premium. Medicare covers the standard surgery well, but premium upgrades are entirely out of pocket.
Compare prices at facilities near you, ask about ASC options, and carefully consider whether premium lens upgrades are worth the additional cost for your lifestyle.