Cataract surgery is a way to restore vision when the lens of the eye has clouded due to a cataract -- a build-up of proteins on the lens that often occurs with aging. This loss of vision can’t be fixed with an eyeglass prescription.  

In this surgery, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens.  Called extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), a cut is made on the outer layer of the eyeball and then on the eye’s lens capsule. The lens is removed and replaced with the artificial lens.

The procedure’s price, shown here for surgery on one eye, varies a lot as it can be done in a number of settings – like an outpatient center or a hospital outpatient department.  The cost also depends on the anesthetic, most often a local and not a general anesthetic, and the type of artificial lens. 

These are 2023 prices.  Use the link below to see if you can get a current, personalized cost estimate from your health insurer.