Glaucoma Treatment Cost
The eye doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates, who work with patients from Monterey, CA, Salinas, CA, and King City, CA, offer a wide range of eye care services, including treatment for eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, both of which are leading causes of vision loss.
Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure. The pressure damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss. There are several treatment techniques to manage glaucoma and preserve vision. Our doctors are frequently asked about glaucoma treatment costs and what patients can do to make glaucoma care more affordable. Here, we discuss the average costs of glaucoma treatment and the factors that affect treatment expenses.
Factors that Affect Glaucoma Treatment Costs
Without meeting an individual and performing a comprehensive eye exam, it is impossible to say exactly how much glaucoma care costs, because there are so many factors that affect the cost of treatment. Our doctors and staff strive to give patients as much information as possible regarding glaucoma treatment costs so they can work within their budget to manage treatment expenses. Glaucoma treatment costs vary based on:
- The location where care is provided
- The experience of the treating doctor
- The stage of the disease
- The treatment technique
Yearly Costs of Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a progressive condition. In its earliest stages, glaucoma does not cause vision loss or other noticeable side effects. Early stages of glaucoma are often diagnosed through a routine eye exam. Once diagnosed, patients require regular eye exams. Most patients are also prescribed medication to lower ocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. The costs of eye exams and medication vary, but Glaucoma Today reports the average direct cost of glaucoma treatment ranges from $623 per year for patients with early stages glaucoma to $2,511 per year for patients with end-stage disease.
Costs of Glaucoma Surgery
As glaucoma progresses, many patients are candidates for glaucoma surgery. Glaucoma surgery improves drainage of the eye to lower ocular pressure. Glaucoma surgery cannot reverse damage or vision loss already caused by glaucoma, but it effectively prevents further damage to preserve vision. Many people worry about the cost of glaucoma surgery, but it can be an affordable treatment option.
The most common glaucoma surgery involves laser treatment. Laser surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Laser glaucoma treatments are performed at our ophthalmology practice. Treatment costs vary based on the technique but typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Rarely do patients require incisional surgery. Incisional glaucoma surgery requires specialized sedation and is performed in a hospital setting. This type of treatment costs significantly more than laser surgery, with the average cost being around $11,000.
Will Insurance Cover Glaucoma Treatment?
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Because of this, glaucoma treatment is considered medically necessary, meaning treatment costs are usually eligible for insurance coverage. Even if treatment costs are not covered by vision insurance, they should be covered by standard health insurance. Our staff works with patients to consider treatment costs, determine insurance coverage, and discuss financing options for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact Us
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or have experienced changes in your vision, the eye doctors at Monterey County Eye Associates would be happy to discuss an appropriate treatment plan, including any necessary financing options. To schedule a personal consultation at our eye care clinic, contact us online or call (831) 424-1150 at your earliest convenience.
