Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which causes cloudy, blurry, or dim vision and often develops with advancing age. Most everyone will develop cataracts at some point in their lives.
If you have been told by your ophthalmologist that you have cataracts, you have a big decision to make: what kind of lens do you want or need to give you the best vision possible?
There are many lens procedures to choose from. However, only one is covered by insurance, which is the standard mono-focal intraocular lens. This lens typically is focused for distance, but you will need glasses for near and intermediate tasks.
Other options, such as Smartlens procedures, which include multi-focal intraocular lenses, can give you a fullrange of vision and reduce dependency on glasses.
These lens options are considered an upgrade by your insurance company. This means that your insurance company will cover the surgery, but you will need to finance or pay out-of-pocket for the upgraded lens procedure.
What type of lenses are available?
During your cataract evaluation, your surgeon will talk with you about which procedure may be best for you depending upon your lifestyle, the health of your eyes, and whether you want to be free from glasses or lower your dependency upon them.
After your evaluation, your surgeon
may recommend one of the following:
h Multi-focal or bifocal lens. Best for possible near, intermediate and/or distance vision.
Based on your lifestyle and the health of your eyes, your surgeon may recommend this for optimized vision at all distances. This package may decrease your dependence on glasses for near, intermediate and distance vision.
h Upgraded high-definition single vision lens or Toric lens. If you have an astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness this option will give you optimized vision for either distance, intermediate or near. You may still require glasses.
Ideal for patients with prior refractive surgery.
h Basic lens. This option gives patients basic vision without astigmatism correction. You may require prescription glasses for optimal vision at all distances.
Dr. Duane Wiggins is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon.