How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in California?
California pricing is above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Cataract Surgery Pricing in California
In California, the average cost for cataract surgery is $6,075 per eye, which is 35% higher than the national average of $4,500. Most California residents pay between $4,050 and $9,450.
California has a higher cost of living than most states, which translates to higher labor rates and material costs. Urban areas within California may be even higher.
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It's the most commonly performed surgery in the US with a high success rate.
California vs National Average
What Affects Cataract Surgery Cost in California?
With Insurance
Standard IOL: $500-$1,500 out of pocket. Premium IOL: $2,000-$5,000 out of pocket per eye
Without Insurance
Standard: $3,000-$5,000 per eye. Premium: $4,500-$7,000 per eye
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Top-Rated Cataract Surgery Pros in California
5 providersMetro Eye Care
🏆 SPONSOREDProudly serving CA since 1996. Licensed, insured, and committed to excellence.
Valley Family Medicine
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💡 Tips to Save on Cataract Surgery in California
- 1.Standard monofocal IOLs are fully covered by most insurance — you only pay copay and deductible
- 2.Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric) are elective upgrades that cost $1,000-$3,000 extra per eye
- 3.Medicare covers cataract surgery with standard IOLs
- 4.Ask about doing both eyes at the same facility for potential savings
📈 Cataract Surgery in California Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,160 | — |
| 2021 | $5,377 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $5,727 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $5,887 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $6,075 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Cataract Surgery in California
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes. It's one of the safest surgeries performed, with a 95%+ success rate. Most patients see significant improvement within days.
Cataract Surgery Cost in Other States
Related Cost Guides for California
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