Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery in 2024?

Around age 40, the proteins in your eye’s lens start to break down. By 60, the symptoms typically become more noticeable, often manifesting as cataracts. In fact, statistics from Healthy Aging show that one in five adults aged 65 and over have cataracts.

Cataract Symptoms

Here are some common symptoms of cataracts:

• Blurry or cloudy vision: This is often the most noticeable symptom, like seeing through a foggy window.
• Difficulty seeing at night: Cataracts can make it harder to see in low-light conditions.
• Double vision: You might see one image appear as two.
• Faded or dulled colors: Colors may seem less vibrant or washed out.
• Increased sensitivity to light: Sunlight and other bright lights may feel uncomfortable or appear excessively bright.
• Halos around lights: You might see a shimmering ring of light around light sources.
• Frequent prescription changes: Your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription may need frequent adjustments.
• Need for brighter light for activities: You might require more light than usual for tasks like reading.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common age-related condition, but genetics and environmental factors can also play a role according to the Cleveland Clinic. Let’s break it down:

• Genetic Risk Factors: Having a close relative with cataracts increases your chances of developing them.
• Environmental Risk Factors: These are external factors that can influence your risk. Here are some key ones:
  • Excessive sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the lens of your eye.
  • Smoking: Smoking habits are linked to an increased risk of cataracts.
  • Pollution: Air pollution may contribute to cataract development.
  • Radiation treatments: Radiation therapy to the upper body can increase cataract risk.
  • Eye injuries: Injuries to the eye can raise your risk.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals: Long-term exposure to pesticides or toxic industrial chemicals might be a factor.
• Medical Risk Factors: Certain medical conditions and medications can also play a role:
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of cataracts.
  • Glaucoma: This eye disease can increase cataract risk as well.
  • Corticosteroid medications: Long-term use of these medications can elevate cataract risk.
  • High blood sugar: Chronically high blood sugar levels may be a contributing factor.

Taking care of yourself, including managing diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, is important for overall health and can also help reduce your risk of cataracts!

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery in 2024?

Good news! Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure covered under Medicare Part B. However, it’s not entirely free. You may be responsible for a portion of the cost, typically up to 20% as a coinsurance.

Here’s more good news: If you purchase a Medigap policy (also known as Medicare supplement insurance), it can help cover all or a portion of that 20% coinsurance.

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