Is PRK Surgery for Fine-tuning After Cataract Surgery Covered As Part of Cataract Surgery?

Question

I had cataract surgery 5 months ago. I chose the Acrysof Toric lens for distance vision and astigmatism correction. I now can not see clearly distance and am having a difficult time focusing. I was told I have hyperopic outcome with residual astigmastism. My refraction is now +1.50-0.75x72 My choices are a replacement lens or PRK surgery. Which is safer? And who pays for this corrective fine-tuning. My insurance company says I am not covered. Thank you.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

Insurance doesn't cover PRK, CK, or lens exchange after cataract surgery for refractive misses such as yours.Some doctors include refractive tune ups in their pricing for the astigmatism correction or presbyopia correction. Some don't.I don't know what your doctor told you or what's in his written policy. All those corrective procedures are good for fixing the issue. All have small but real risks.

William Trattler, MD · Answer

Medical insurance does not cover laser vision correction, no matter what the reason.  They do not cover PRK even in patients who have had corneal transplants and can only see with a contact lens.  Please speak with your doctor, as laser vision correction is my preferred treatment for patients who have had cataract surgery and require a fine-tuning.

	I hope this helps

	Bill Trattler, MD

Anthony J. Kameen, MD (retired) · Answer

Cataract surgery has always been a very safe and reliable procedure. In recent years, with the introduction of Advanced Technology Intraocular Lenses(ATIOL's), we now have the ability to achieve not only good uncorrected distance vision, but near vision as well. About 4-5% of the time, however, we fall short of these results as a byproduct of how the eye heals or some varience in the preoperative measurements. In these cases a laser enhancement(or touch up) is required and insurance will not pay for this. In most cases, your surgeon should have discussed this possibility before surgery and how this would be paid for. In my office there is no additional charge for this procedure, however, other surgeons do charge a fee for this service. So, it looks like you will have to bring this up with your surgeon.

Is PRK Surgery for Fine-tuning After Cataract Surgery Covered As Part of Cataract Surgery?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cataract Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is PRK Surgery for Fine-tuning After Cataract Surgery Covered As Part of Cataract Surgery?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cataract Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.