Story perspectives

Medicare patients still pay thousands for laser cataract surgery

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Medicare patients pay $1,000-$4,000 out-of-pocket for laser cataract surgery with premium lenses.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says studies show laser surgery has no fewer complications or better outcomes than traditional methods.
Laser-assisted procedures now represent 12% of the 5 million U.S. cataract surgeries, up from about 10% a decade ago.
UCLA professor Kevin Miller says the laser adds revenue as Medicare payment fell to $520 per case.

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Story summary

Medicare patients pay $1,000-$4,000 out-of-pocket for laser cataract surgery with premium lenses.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says studies show laser surgery has no fewer complications or better outcomes than traditional methods.
Laser-assisted procedures now represent 12% of the 5 million U.S. cataract surgeries, up from about 10% a decade ago.
UCLA professor Kevin Miller says the laser adds revenue as Medicare payment fell to $520 per case.