costs of cataract surgery

I know this is a relatively trivial question...but it makes a difference in my case.

I know what my co-payment will be for standard cataract surgery. But it seems like after that I will need more vision testing, new glasses and most likely some experimentation with contact lenses and so forth.

My normal coverage is one pair of cheap glasses every two years and I've collected on that recently. So my question is, is the additional testing and glasses/contacts required after cataract surgery covered as an essential part of the surgery, or would I have to pay it in full? I know insurance coverage differs, so I am asking about the general principle of it.

Also, since I'm asking, I know I am covered for single-focus IOLs but not for (e.g.) Crystalens. What is the ballpark additional cost for a Crystalens?

Finally, an unrelated question. What does it mean when Dr. Hagan posts a message that consists entirely of '---------------' ?. Does that mean the thread is closed?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Your glasses are considered a separate cost from cataract surgery if you are on a health plan.  You might have to pay separately for glasses check - but don't ask me - ask YOUR doctor - only they know your specific plan and situation.

Crystalens may cost you about $2000 additional out of pocket per eye.

"---------" ????     I don't know what that means, sorry.

MJK MD