How Much Are Eye Drops After Cataract Surgery, and How Can I Save?
Key takeaways:
Following cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic, steroid, or NSAID eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
The cost of eye drops after cataract surgery ranges from $45 to $200 or more. But the price varies significantly depending on the type and number of eye drops prescribed and where they are purchased.
You can save money on eye drops by checking your insurance coverage and using a prescription discount card. Exclusive GoodRx savings are also available for products like Prolensa.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common outpatient surgeries. After the procedure, your doctor will prescribe you several eye drops to prevent complications such as eye inflammation, eye infection, and macular edema. The most common eye drop types include antibiotic, steroid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drops.
How much are eye drops after cataract surgery?
On average, the cost of eye drops after cataract surgery ranges from $45 to $200 or more. It’s important to check with your local pharmacy or eye care provider to get the most up-to-date pricing information based on your location. But the total price you’ll pay out of pocket will depend on many factors, including:
Types of eye drop medication prescribed: You’ll typically pay less for antibiotic eye drops than for steroid eye drops, but you can expect a higher price for NSAID eye drops.
Quantity prescribed: The more eye drops you are prescribed, the more money you’ll have to pay. Your doctor will prescribe a specific number of drops you should put in your eye each time you use them, based on your overall health and complexity of your surgery.
How long and how often you use the drops: The cost of eye drops will be affected by how long you need to use them and how frequently. For example, prednisolone drops are used 4 to 5 times a day, while other, more potent steroid drops are used only twice a day.
Where you purchase them: Different drugstores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and hospitals will offer different prices for the same medication.
Brand: The brand of eye drops you choose may increase your total cost.
Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may cover the cost of eye drops. For example, if your eye drops are medically necessary, Medicare usually covers the cost.
Be prepared with Prolensa
Prolensa treats inflammation and reduces eye pain in patients after cataract surgery. Uninsured patients may pay as little as $80 copay for up to a 60-day supply.
What are the main types of eye drops to use after surgery?
The drops most commonly prescribed after cataract surgery fall into three categories: antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID. If you need to add additional eye drops, it’s important to consult with your ophthalmologist.
1. Antibiotic eye drops
Everyone needs antibiotic eye drops after surgery, because antibiotics reduce the likelihood of an eye infection. Your doctor may even instruct you to begin using these drops in the days leading up to your surgery.
The most frequently prescribed antibiotic eye drops after cataract surgery are moxifloxacin (Vigamox) and gatifloxacin (Zymaxid). You typically use these eye drops several times daily for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Some eye doctors like to prescribe these particular antibiotic eye drops because they believe they are less likely to cause antibiotic resistance. But you can also ask your provider about affordable generic options available like gatifloxacin.
2. Steroid eye drops
Steroid eye drops help control inflammation and decrease pain following cataract surgery. These medications also lower the risk of developing macular edema, which can blur vision and limit recovery after your operation.
Popular steroid eye drops prescribed after cataract surgery include prednisolone (Pred Forte) and loteprednol (Lotemax). These drops are typically used 2 to 4 times daily for 2 to 6 weeks after your procedure.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Steroid eye drops typically cost more than antibiotic eye drops, but the cost can vary depending on the brand, your location, and other factors.
Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase purchase brand-name Lotemax gel, drops, or ointment at an exclusive cash price of $80. A manufacturer copay card is also available.
3. NSAID eye drops
NSAID are non-steroidal eye drops that reduce inflammation and alleviate pain after cataract surgery. They also keep pupils dilated before and during the procedure. Depending on your health condition, your doctor may prescribe NSAID eye drops after cataract surgery instead of steroid eye drops.
The most frequently prescribed NSAID eye drops are:
These medications are typically used 2 to 4 times daily for about a month. NSAID eye drops typically cost more than steroid drops, but the cost can vary depending on the brand and other factors. As with most medications, generic NSAID eye drops are less expensive than brand names.
Medication | Type | Lowest GoodRx Price |
Moxifloxacin (Vigamox) | Antibiotic | |
Gatifloxacin (Zymaxid) | Antibiotic | |
Prednisolone (Pred-Forte) | Steroid | |
Loteprednol (Lotemax) | Steroid | |
Ketorolac (Acular, Acuvail) | NSAID | |
Bromfenac (Prolensa, BromSite) | NSAID | |
Nepafenac (Ilevro, Nevanac) | NSAID |
Savings are also available for certain brand-name products. For instance, anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a bottle of Prolensa at an exclusive cash price as low as $80.
How to save on eye drops after cataract surgery
If you need help paying for medicinal eye drops after cataract surgery, check out the following ways to save on antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID eye drops.
Find discounts. Prescription cards such as GoodRx and pharmacy discount programs may reduce the cost of brand and generic cataract eye drops.
Comparison shop. Check the price of your prescribed cataract medication at several pharmacies to find the lowest quote.
Ask your doctor. See if your ophthalmologist has samples of antibiotic, steroid, and NSAID eye drops in their office.
Use insurance. Health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage usually cover cataract eye drops. However, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may apply.
Use a health savings account. You can use funds from a health savings account (HSA) to pay for post-cataract-surgery medication. Eye drops are an HSA-eligible expense.
Research patient assistance programs (PAP). These programs may help you get cataract eye drops for free or at a discounted price. Search for your medication to see if any PAPs are available.
Programs that offer financial assistance for vision care
Check out the following programs for information on financial assistance for vision care .
Prevent Blindness has a list of services and organizations that offer financial assistance for vision care.
Mission Cataract USA provides free cataract surgery to people without insurance and who don’t qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or other governmental assistance.
Operation Sight helps low-income people get cataract surgery.
HealthWell Foundation offers financial assistance to insured people who can’t cover their out-of-pocket health expenses.
The bottom line
Eye drop bottles may be small, but they can add up to a big cost after cataract surgery. Your healthcare provider may recommend antibiotic, steroid, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops, based on your needs. You can save money by using prescription savings cards and insurance. You can also research financial assistance programs that may provide you with support.
Why trust our experts?
References
Gill, L. L. (2022). 5 ways to save on prescription drugs. Consumer Reports.
MyVision.org. (2022). How to pay for eye procedures you cannot afford.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. (2023). What are the most common outpatient surgeries?
