The cost of keratoconus treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment(s) required.
Because there is no outright cure, management of the disease can extend for decades, adding to the cumulative cost of keratoconus.
Fitting contact lenses for keratoconus is a much more complex and customized process than fitting conventional contacts on a normal eye. Also, doctors who specialize in keratoconus must invest in advanced instrumentation such as automated corneal topography machines to diagnose, monitor and manage the disease.
The examination, measurements, fitting and materials for the treatment of keratoconus with contact lenses often run $2,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, this range can be high or low, depending on the severity of the disease and the type of contact lenses prescribed.
The cost of corneal cross-linking for keratoconus performed in the U.S. typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 per eye, according to industry sources.
The cost of Intacs and other corneal insert or corneal implant surgery for keratoconus can run $1,500 to $2,500 per eye.
A corneal transplant for advanced keratoconus performed in the United States costs roughly $13,000 for an outpatient procedure and nearly $28,000 for an in-hospital procedure for individuals without health insurance, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services).
In most cases, the cost of eye exams and keratoconus surgery performed in the U.S. is fully or partially covered by health insurance. The cost of contact lenses for keratoconus may or may not be covered by insurance, based on the type of policy you have. Consult your insurance provider for details.
