Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness and are so common later in life that it’s basically considered part of the aging process.
With cataracts, the natural lens of your eye becomes clouded, interfering with light getting through to your retina. This can effect your perception of colors or sunlight, and create double vision. Cataract surgery is so popular because it provides a lasting solution to these problems by removing the entire lens of your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens that won’t develop a cataract.
This procedure is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans because it is seen as a medical necessity. While Medicare covers the standard Monofocal intraocular lenses that improve distance vision but require glasses or contacts to see up close, if you elect to upgrade to a lens that provides stronger vision capabilities, Medicare considers this an elective and does not cover the additional cost required for the lens, extra testing and follow-up care.
Regardless of the lens you choose, Medicare and insurance will cover a pre-surgery consultation for you to discuss the procedure with your ophthalmologist. At the Eye Clinic of Austin, we will recommend whatever lens best meets your particular visual needs and offer financing options if an upgraded lens is recommended.
Seasoned eye surgeon, Thomas Henderson, M.D. notes, “You will have one chance in your lifetime for each eye to maximize your vision. It is a valid option to choose better vision and the freedom it provides for the rest of your life. After listening to what my patients wish and explaining what options could work for each patient, I make the same recommendation for each of them that I would make for a member of my own family.”
Setting up a yearly eye exam can help monitor cataract progression and help determine if/when surgery is needed.
Source: https://www.ehealthmedicare.com/about-medicare/cataracts/