Introduction to Eye Surgery

Eye surgery, or ocular surgery, is there to help keep one of our most important senses healthy and functional. Vision problems have plagued people since time immemorial, but thanks to advances in surgical techniques, we’ve moved on from bulky glasses and almost-invisible contact lenses to procedures that actually correct the root of the problem. With LASIK and other types of laser eye surgery, you can eliminate the need for any kind of vision correction accessory—no more hunting for misplaced glasses or dropped contacts! Ocular surgery is also used to correct more threatening conditions that have no other non-surgical alternatives, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Whatever your reason, eye surgery may be the fastest and most efficient way to achieve 20/20 vision.

Costs of Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is the most common type of eye surgery requested by the average patient who wants to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Average prices usually fall between $1500 to $2500 per eye. Depending on the amount of customization you request, however, that number can rise drastically. Newer advances in LASIK surgery offer the possibility of better results, but in turn cost more.

When used simply to remove and replace the clouded lens of the eye, the cost of cataract surgery hovers at around $3000 for both eyes. Some patients, however, opt for additional procedures, such as inserting a lens that also helps correct vision and reduce the need for glasses or contacts. If your cataracts are more advanced or you elect for a more complicated cataract surgery, you will need to pay more.

Ocular surgical procedures designed to treat glaucoma are varied in both cost and type, many being targeted for specific stages and severities. Speak to your surgeon first about the correct procedure for your case, and then receive a cost estimate from him or her.

Can My Insurance Help?

Luckily, healthcare companies recognize the crucial role of clear vision and are often willing to provide financial assistance. Whether or not you qualify depends on the type of eye surgery you want and your medical situation. Cataracts and glaucoma are conditions that are progressive, debilitating, and, in many cases, absolutely require surgical procedures. Eye surgeries for other serious diseases such as macular degeneration and retinal disorders also qualify for assistance from your healthcare provider. In particular, eye afflictions that are a common effect of aging and that are present in much of the older population, such as cataracts, are widely known and effectiveness of surgeries accepted. Requests for these types of ocular surgery pass through the machinery of insurance companies relatively easily.

Corrective procedures such as LASIK surgery are a different question, however. Because there are other successful options to choose from in correcting simple vision problems such as nearsightedness—glasses and contacts—many laser eye surgeries fall into the category of elective surgeries. Your insurance company will label such procedures as cosmetic and will not provide financial assistance. Even without your healthcare provider’s help, however, there are ways to help yourself. Look for financing plans and packages that allow you to pay in more manageable installments.