Cataract Surgery in California: Lens Options, Medicare Coverage and Choosing a Surgeon

This guide doesn't recommend a lens, a surgeon or a hospital. It explains how official sources describe the surgery, then gives you the questions that help you and your family compare options in California.

What happens during cataract surgery

According to the AAO, the surgeon makes small incisions near the edge of the cornea, using a blade or a laser. The cloudy lens is broken up and removed, and a new artificial lens is put in. Afterward you rest for about 15 to 30 minutes, and you wear an eye shield when sleeping.

Surgery day, as the AAO describes it

1. Small incisionsThe surgeon makes small incisions near the edge of the cornea, with a blade or a laser.
2. Lens removalThe cloudy lens is broken up and removed.
3. New lensAn artificial lens is put in its place.
4. Short restYou rest for about 15 to 30 minutes afterward.
5. Protect the eyeYou wear an eye shield when sleeping, following your surgeon's instructions.

The AAO says many people can read, use a computer or watch TV within several hours. It advises asking your ophthalmologist when it's safe to drive.

Choosing a lens: the types the AAO describes

The artificial lens is called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The AAO lists these types:

Ask the surgeon why they suggest a particular lens for your eyes. Then ask the office to show the cost of each option side by side, including what your coverage would pay and what you would owe.

Medicare and other coverage: questions to settle first

• Are the surgeon and the surgery facility both in network for my plan?
• Which lens types are covered, and what would I pay out of pocket for each?
• Are pre-operative measurements and tests billed separately?
• Which follow-up visits are included in the price?
• Can I get the estimate in writing before I schedule?

Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with and any reference number. Our referrals and insurance guide has a step-by-step method for checking network status.

Risks and limits to understand

The AAO lists the risks of cataract surgery as including infection, bleeding, blurred vision, halos, glare, dark shadows and vision loss. It also notes that surgery won't restore vision lost to macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

If you have any of those conditions, ask the surgeon what improvement is realistic for you, and how they weighed that when recommending surgery.

Private practice or university eye center?

Whether you're considering a private practice or one of California's university eye centers, the same checks apply. If you're referred to a university center, our academic eye centers guide lists official addresses and referral routes for UCSF, Stanford, UCLA, USC, UC Davis, UC San Diego and UCI.

• Verify the surgeon's license with the Medical Board of California, or with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California for DOs.
• Ask where the surgery will be done and whether that facility is in your network.
• Ask who handles follow-up and how to reach the practice after hours.
• Don't choose on price alone. The FDA gives that advice for LASIK, and it's a sound habit for any eye surgery.

Our license-check guide walks through the lookup and explains what the results mean.

Helping a parent through cataract surgery

• Go to the consultation with them and take notes.
• Bring a list of their current medications and eye conditions to share with the surgeon.
• Confirm who is driving on surgery day.
• Help make sure the eye shield is worn when sleeping, as instructed.
• Ask the surgeon directly when driving is safe again, and write down the answer.