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

How cataract surgery works

The AAO describes phacoemulsification like this: the surgeon makes tiny incisions near the edge of the cornea, using a blade or a laser. The clouded natural lens is broken up and removed, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place. Afterward you wear a protective shield, including while sleeping, and use eye drops.

The lens you choose shapes how you see afterward. The lens type, and whether a laser is used, are also the main add-on charges in the published cost figures below.

Standard vs premium lenses: what Medicare and you pay

We could not confirm Medicare's rules directly with Medicare or CMS for this guide. The coverage points below come from secondary sources, so check them against your own Medicare information or plan before you decide.

• Medicare generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible, according to All About Vision.
• Part B covers standard cataract surgery plus one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses afterward, according to BuzzRx.
• Part B does not cover advanced IOLs such as multifocal or toric lenses, according to the same source.

Questions to ask about lens choice

• Which lens do you suggest for my eyes, and why?
• What is covered, and what would I pay out of pocket for an upgrade?
• With this lens, will I still need glasses for reading, driving or computer work?
• Do you suggest laser-assisted surgery for me, and what would it add to the cost?
• I have another eye condition. What can I realistically expect after surgery?

Where cataract surgery happens in San Diego

Here is how local institutions describe their eye services on their own websites (checked November 2026):

• Scripps Health: ophthalmologists treat cataracts as well as glaucoma, eyelid position problems, infections and injuries in adults, teens and children (Scripps eye care). Physician profiles link ophthalmologists to sites such as Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines.
• UC San Diego Health: the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at the Shiley Eye Institute includes a comprehensive ophthalmology division and also serves UC San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center and the VA hospital (department overview).
• Sharp HealthCare: optometrists and ophthalmologists work at several Sharp locations, and Sharp Coronado Hospital offers eye care (Sharp eye services).
• VA San Diego: veterans in VA care can ask their care team how cataract surgery is arranged. The VA hospital is on the UC San Diego La Jolla campus.
• Private practices and ambulatory surgery centers: compare them with the same checks, and ask where the operation itself will take place.

Hospital or surgery center?

Ask where your surgery will be done and why. Because Medicare's average payments differ by facility type, the setting can affect your share. Also ask what happens if you need more care on the day, and which hospital the surgeon is affiliated with. Our guide to checking an eye surgeon explains how to confirm affiliations yourself.

Risks and side effects to discuss

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

Common side effects on the AAO's side effects page include blurry vision, dryness, a gritty feeling, light sensitivity, a red eye (more common after laser cataract surgery), a temporary rise in eye pressure and a droopy eyelid (ptosis). Retinal detachment is rare. Ask your surgeon which symptoms mean you should call right away, and get an after-hours number before you leave.

If you also have glaucoma, ask how the two conditions will be managed together. UC San Diego's department includes the Hamilton Glaucoma Center, a glaucoma research center.

Surgery day and the weeks after

1. BeforeYour eyes are measured and you choose a lens. Confirm costs in writing and ask whether you need someone to drive you home.
2. On the dayThrough tiny incisions near the edge of the cornea, the clouded lens is broken up and removed and the IOL is inserted, per the AAO.
3. Going homeYou'll wear a shield, including while sleeping, and use eye drops. Ask for written drop instructions.
4. First daysBlurry vision, dryness, a gritty feeling, light sensitivity and redness are common side effects, according to the AAO.
5. Follow-upKeep every follow-up visit, and ask when you'll get a glasses prescription if you need one.

If you're helping a parent

• Go to the consultation if you can, and write down the lens options and prices.
• Bring a list of every medication and eye drop your parent uses.
• Ask for the written estimate before surgery day, with covered and non-covered items listed separately.
• Plan transportation for surgery day and the follow-up visits.
• Set up the eye drop schedule in a form your parent can follow, such as a printed chart.