Short answer: $2,500-4,500 per eye for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (DACVO). Includes pre-op workup (ERG, ultrasound), surgery, and weeks of post-op eye drops.
What you should actually do
- Phacoemulsification: same technique used in human cataract surgery.
- Bilateral surgery: usually done at the same visit, $4,500-8,000 total.
- Pre-surgical workup: electroretinogram (ERG) confirms retinal function, ocular ultrasound rules out lens luxation – $400-800.
- Post-op: multiple eye drops 4-6x daily for 2-3 months; e-collar; rechecks.
- Success rate: 85-95% restoration of functional vision; ~5-10% complication rate (uveitis, glaucoma).
Cataracts in dogs are most common in diabetic dogs (75-80% develop bilateral cataracts within a year of diabetes onset). Surgery can restore vision and dramatically improve quality of life.
Find a vet ophthalmologist via the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO.org) – usually in major metro areas or veterinary teaching hospitals.
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
