In cataract surgery and a refractive lens exchange, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens.   Cataract surgery is typically performed when patients are 65 or older but some patients develop cataract much earlier in the 20-55 year age range. Cataract is a medical diagnosis so insurance can be used for most of the cost. Insurance only pays for a standard or monofocal lens implant when cataract surgery becomes necessary, which means that glasses are still needed. The cost of a multifocal lens, allowing you to see a range of distances without relying on glasses, is seen as an elective upgrade and is not covered.  RLE is an option if you are over the age of 40 and are tired of dealing with contacts and glasses. It is an option for those who want to treat presbyopia, astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or are not a candidate for other laser vision correction. Once an RLE is performed, replacing your natural lens with a multifocal implant, you will never need cataract surgery. Because this is seen as an elective procedure, some insurance plans may offer a discount, but the cost will primarily be an out of pocket expense.