Eye Surgery

[wine5465]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?

[paulat585]

Mine was about $4800 at Mid Florida Eye.

[MartinSE]

WOW!

You just made my day. I had mine done earlier this year at the VA. It cost me about $300 in co-pays total for all the specialists visits before and after and the surgery itself and the eye drops, lots and lots of eye drops the first month.

Word of advice if you get it. Think twice about what correction you want.

I chose distance correction and wear reading glasses.

I almost think reading would be better for me. I spend MOST of my life inside and at the computer (I am a programmer), reading books, etc.

I can watch TV without glasses, and drive without glasses, but for reading I do need readers, and while they are cheap ($5.00 at drug store) it's annoying.

My point is just think about what you do MOST of the time.

[Caymus]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?

What are you calling lens correction surgery? Are you referring to Lasik? If so, they are different. Cataract surgery replaces the "clouded" natural lens with an artificial lens. Lasik works on reshaping the cornea. Will a surgeon perform Lasik on a patient with cataracts?

[coralway]

WOW!

You just made my day. I had mine done earlier this year at the VA. It cost me about $300 in co-pays total for all the specialists visits before and after and the surgery itself and the eye drops, lots and lots of eye drops the first month.

Word of advice if you get it. Think twice about what correction you want.

I chose distance correction and wear reading glasses.

I almost think reading would be better for me. I spend MOST of my life inside and at the computer (I am a programmer), reading books, etc.

I can watch TV without glasses, and drive without glasses, but for reading I do need readers, and while they are cheap ($5.00 at drug store) it's annoying.

My point is just think about what you do MOST of the time.





Interesting post, something to think about.

Just curious, when you are driving, do you need glasses to see the dashboard numbers, like the speedometer, or the gauges?

[MartinSE]

Interesting post, something to think about.

Just curious, when you are driving, do you need glasses to see the dashboard numbers, like the speedometer, or the gauges?

No, I can read clearly at just about arms length, so the dash is fine. The controls on the steering wheel are a little fuzzy but I can make them out.

[richardc1947]

Both my wife and I have opted to have corrective lenses implanted during cataract surgery. Mine was almost 10k for both eyes back in 2010. My wife’s was only $4k for both eyes in 2019. St Luke’s did hers and mine was done in Nashville. We both are glad we made the decision to pay out of pocket for the up charge.

[Blackbird45]

No, I can read clearly at just about arms length, so the dash is fine. The controls on the steering wheel are a little fuzzy but I can make them out.

I also had the surgery at Mid Florida Eye a few years back.
I don't remember what it cost me, but it was worth ever penny whatever it was.
My distant site was getting fuzzy, now my site is probably better then it was in my twenties.

[LErmer]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?
Yes, I had cataract surgery with corrective lenses for both eyes that repaired a severe stigmatism. It works so well that I had to have the corrective lenses provision removed from my drivers license. The cost was actually about $7200. The operation was several years ago and I still do not require classes to read even fine print.

[sdeikenberry]

St. Lukes, Dr. Ireland, $2,000 per eye for lenses correcting my astigmatism and giving me 20/20 distance vision. I wear readers for up close work. I chose to NOT get the multifocal lens because Dr. Ireand said multifocal lenses are not perfect and if distance vision was more important than not wearing readers I'd be happier. I didn't want blurry distance. I only wear glasses now for reading. It's a bit of a hassle to remember to take readers with me (I'm a guy and don't carry a purse) but I got used to it...second nature now.

[LG999]

I paid $300 or $400/ eye. I had cataracts removed, Rx lenses installed, astigmatism corrected surgically. My understanding is if you need a prescriptive lens to see, that is what you get. If you do not wear glasses or contact lenses (don't need prescriptive lenses) then you just get a clear lens.

[72eagleman]

it all depends on what your eyes require for a prescription. Medicare or insurance will not consider paying for the cost of a lens because the government classify a lens implant as experimental or medically not necessary. If you do not get a lens, you will, most likely have to wear prescription glasses and/or reading glasses.
I had a lens implanted in each eye when I had cataracts removed in both eyes in 2008. I went from 20/400 with severe astigmatism to 20/20 with zero astigmatism. I have not needed glasses and my eyes are still 20/30 or better. I recently purchased a pair of prescription sunglasses that were a little overcorrected for distance so that I could see the golf ball land on the green. I only wear them when I play golf.

My wife had a lens implant last year and she does not require glasses either.

If it were me, I would have the lens installed if the doctor recommended it. I used to get new prescription glasses and sunglass changed at least once per year. A pair of glasses today costs around $500.00 so I would say I saved a lot of money by having the lens implanted. Back then the cost of the best lens was under $500.00 per eye where now it can be over $3,000.00/eye.

Good luck with your decision.

[Xander7]

Pay the extra. I had the multi-focal lens put in. Wonderful! I haven’t worn my glasses since. I can read the paper, do the crosswords and still see the golf ball after I hit it. (Okay, I know it’s not as far as it used to be).

[Stu from NYC]

Glad to see so many positives for mid florida eye

[Dot Rheinhardt]

I had Toric lenses in both eyes. Now 20/20. Practically legally blind before surgery due to severe astigmatism. It was about $4,000 total for both eyes 10 years ago. I had worn glasses since age 5. Insurance sais it was cosmetic, but it wasn't to me as I could barely see without glasses before. Worth every penny.

[Robbb]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?

If you do end up deciding on Toric lenses make sure you go to a guy who does hundred's of them. Toric lenses need to be implanted to a specific rotation to "align" with your astigmatism. Docs who don't do a lot of these tend to be less precise than those who do more.

[Hendrick22]

Sorry, here comes a negative for mid Florida eye. I paid total of $4,000 after insurance. Took the distance corrective lenses. Prior to surgery they did tell me about stigmas in both eyes but said it would be ok. It wasn’t. I still need glasses for both near & far. Vision without glasses is only about 30% improved. Not worth the money for me.

[Hendrick22]

Sorry, astigmatisms

[M2inOR]

Just had cataract surgery in April. Approx $3400 per eye from Lake Eye. Synergy is the lens tech from J&J.

Very happy.

Medicare will only cover basic surgery and single vision correction. These lenses that correct for astigmatism and full range of vision are not covered by Medicare.

These lenses correct near, far and midrange.

Mine corrected to 20/20 or 20/25 depending on distance. Sometimes have issues reading closely if low light.

Wife is getting hers done in July.

Talk to a good opthalmologist with experience.

[msilagy]

In the Chicago suburbs I had it done for $1500 an eye. When I told my Dr what they were charging in Fl he laughed and said I'm living in the wrong state. These Dr's in TV definitely are gouging the seniors for the toric lens (you won't need reading glasses) because they can! I was with a friend at Ocala eye and he tried talking a friend of mine into these lens even tho it was not necessary as standard lens would be fine. He didn't even wear reading glasses! After the Dr at Ocala Eye finished his promotion, I asked if I could say something. I told my friend, who was not aware of the situation, that standard lens would be fine for him. The Dr stared at me in amazement. My friend saved $3K. Also these lens are all made by the same company, so no price difference,

[bonrich]

No, I can read clearly at just about arms length, so the dash is fine. The controls on the steering wheel are a little fuzzy but I can make them out.
Since I have worn glasses most of my adult life, wearing them was not an issue. So I corrected to close up and eye glasses for distance. Did not want to be searching for readers all the time. Driving was an issue with me. Concerned about seeing the dash board and all that was in arms length of me. Did not want to be taking glasses off for distance, and back on for close up.

[ScottGo]

I had cataracts both eyes and got the more expensive lens. Night vision blurry for a couple months but cleared up as time went by. Best thing I've ever done. No more lost eye glasses! No need for them. Ocala eye Dr. Zank or something like that.

[Down Sized]

Pay the extra. I had the multi-focal lens put in. Wonderful! I haven’t worn my glasses since. I can read the paper, do the crosswords and still see the golf ball after I hit it. (Okay, I know it’s not as far as it used to be).

I second this. I’ve had same results from Lake Eye. Don’t wear any glasses, can read everything. It was worth every cent of the $3400. They said they redo many mistakes from other eye surgeries.

[billethkid]

I chose lenses that Medicare covered plus $1000 for astigmatism correction.

I went with "mono" (one eye near other eye far). Done by St. Lukes/Dr. Ireland.......outstanding care, technology and facility.

The only glasses I need are plain old sunglasses only!!!

[retfc2@yahoo.com]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?

I had my surgery at Mid Fl. Eye. They offered several options. Catarct removal only, insurance pays. Monofocal you chose distance or upclose. I think about $3000. Still need classes. The third was $6000 , No glasses. I chose the $6000 you pay. I have been very please with the results.

[airstreamingypsy]

I went for the one where I don't pay extra. The eye dr said you will reading glasses, I said okay. I came out of the surgery with 20-20 vision.

[Glowfromminnesota]

I had Crystal lens (Florence Henderson commercials :-) ) put in around 9 years ago with my cataract surgery. I am not sure if they even use them anymore. it cost me 7k out of pocket as it was a relatively new procedure. Fast forward, I need distance glasses very light usually when driving and reading glasses 1.50. My middle sight is perfect. After surgery my vision was better than perfect. 20/25. I had one eye adjusted for reading and the other eye for distance. I was not happy for about one year after surgery and finally I adjusted (halos, lots of floaters I didn’t have before, retinal problems). That got better as time progressed. Today I am sure the surgery is much better. I was blind before without glasses; now I am not.

[jandr]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?

Caution: Had mine done 3 years ago at St. Luke's. CANNOT RECOMMEND THEM. No improvement, and just got BS when I asked why.

[Charlie'sDad]

I chose lenses that Medicare covered plus $1000 for astigmatism correction.

I went with "mono" (one eye near other eye far). Done by St. Lukes/Dr. Ireland.......outstanding care, technology and facility.

The only glasses I need are plain old sunglasses only!!!

I wish I had that a choice. After toric lens done at Florida Eye in 2009 I had to wear reading glasses. Something I never had to do before. I was told to get a contact lens for my dominant eye. That solved the problem.

[RCMill531@comcast.net]

I had mine done back in Virginia and since insurance will only pay for cataract surgery, it cost me about $8,500 for everything.

[RCMill531@comcast.net]

They do it all at once. My doctor called it the “Cadillac” of lense replacement. Corrected my cataracts and my farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.

[M2inOR]

It's important to mention the type of toric lenses implanted, and when you got them.

The Synergy lenses I got were first available in 2019 and have several improvements over previous toric lenses.

I learned this by reading medical journals.

[oemsp1]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?


$2000 an eye at St. Luke's and Dr. Ireland is wonderful!

[4557Spahr]

We are having that procedure done in Michigan next week. $3000 less than Florida. That’s a lot of difference

[jjombrello]

I had cataract surgery in March at Ocala Eye. Corrected my astigmatism, inserted multi-focal lenses in each eye and corrected both my distance and close up vision. I do not need glasses anymore and I see everything clearly. The cost was $3300/eye and well worth the cost. Ocala Eye is excellent, and I have been with them for 23 years.

[Tbrazie]

I qualify for cataract surgery but what I want is the lens correction surgery. Insurance takes care of cataract surgery but has anyone had the lens correction surgery for less than $3,500 an eye?
it depends, If you do not have an astigmatism, the cataract surgery will correct your distance vision. Then you will only need reading glasses, which are dirt cheap.
If you have a mild astigmatism, you pay lots of money and don't need glasses for distance. If you have a stong astigmatism, like mine, don't waste your money. you will still need glasses for both near and far. Get all the data first. I used St. Lukes. great care and they explained it all.

[MartinSE]

it depends, If you do not have an astigmatism, the cataract surgery will correct your distance vision. Then you will only need reading glasses, which are dirt cheap.
If you have a mild astigmatism, you pay lots of money and don't need glasses for distance. If you have a stong astigmatism, like mine, don't waste your money. you will still need glasses for both near and far. Get all the data first. I used St. Lukes. great care and they explained it all.

Good advice.

One other advantage of the VA (for me and other vets) is that the ophthalmologist hasn't got a motive interest in talking you into the surgery. In fact, they are booked solid and prefer to not do any surgeries that are not to improve your quality of life. Lots of exams, interviews, and discussions of what to expect and why. In my case, I had reached the point where I could barely drive during the day because of glare. And night time was pretty much out of the question.

Following the surgery, my vision was 20/15 and settled down to 20/20 to 20/25 a few months later. But, more importantly, it completely eliminated the glare so I can drive during the day now, and at night.

If your quality of life is impacted, you should discuss what to expect with your ophthalmologist.

[rogerk]

They now have multi focal cataract replacement lenses. They are great, you don’t need glasses for distance reading or in between. A number of years ago we had Eyes at The Villages do it for about $3000 per eye beyond what Medicare pays. Lots of drops post surgery but we’ll worth it. My wife and I would highly recommend the multifocal lenses.

[Carlsondm]

What are you calling lens correction surgery? Are you referring to Lasik? If so, they are different. Cataract surgery replaces the "clouded" natural lens with an artificial lens. Lasik works on reshaping the cornea. Will a surgeon perform Lasik on a patient with cataracts?
He may be referring to insertion of a special lens during the cataract surgery. I had 3 choices during my cataract surgery and paid $600 extra for the 'deluxe'.

[patfla06]

I had cataract surgery in March at Ocala Eye. Corrected my astigmatism, inserted multi-focal lenses in each eye and corrected both my distance and close up vision. I do not need glasses anymore and I see everything clearly. The cost was $3300/eye and well worth the cost. Ocala Eye is excellent, and I have been with them for 23 years.

Which doctor did you use?

[Robbb]

The newest version of an implantable lens is the new adjustable lens just being released. It allows the Dr to adjust the lens up to three times to "tweak" it to your personal preferences. The tweaking is done using a laser in the Docs office after surgery.

[Stu from NYC]

The newest version of an implantable lens is the new adjustable lens just being released. It allows the Dr to adjust the lens up to three times to "tweak" it to your personal preferences. The tweaking is done using a laser in the Docs office after surgery.

Interesting the surgeon did not mention it to me.

[MartinSE]

The newest version of an implantable lens is the new adjustable lens just being released. It allows the Dr to adjust the lens up to three times to "tweak" it to your personal preferences. The tweaking is done using a laser in the Docs office after surgery.

LALs (Light adjustable lenses) were introduced in 2017 in the US.

LALs are adjusted by UV light. It can take up to 3 or 4 visits (adjustments) after the surgery to get adjusted accurately. They are not perfect but have a higher rate of 92% reaching 20/25 than non-adjustable.

LALs are not multi-focus, meaning they can only be adjusted to a single range - either near or distant or "name your range". If you want multifocal you need regular lenses.


The only "shortcoming" I could find is that not everyone can get them. You need to be able to be dilated to 7mm for the best adjustment. Some people can only be dilated to 5mm to 6mm. So, definitely, something to discuss with your ophthalmologist.

Looks like a good advancement in lens implants. Thanks for the reference.