Affiliated Eye Surgeons | cataract care
Cataract Surgery in Northern New Jersey
Advanced laser-assisted
cataract surgery from a team with decades of surgical experience — at
three convenient locations in Morris and Essex counties.
Restore Clear Vision with Confidence
Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 60 — and cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful procedures in all of medicine. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, our board-certified ophthalmologists have performed thousands of cataract procedures using the most advanced laser-assisted techniques available, helping patients throughout Morris and Essex counties see clearly again.
Whether your cataracts are just beginning to affect your daily life or you're ready to schedule surgery, our team will guide you through every step — from your initial evaluation to post-operative care — with the attention and expertise you deserve.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. The lens focuses light onto the retina to produce clear images. When proteins in the lens begin to break down — typically as a result of aging — they clump together and cause the lens to become cloudy, yellowed, or opaque.
The result is vision that appears blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Cataracts develop gradually and are most common in adults over 60, though they can occur at any age.
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision that worsens over time
- Increased sensitivity to glare, especially when driving at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Colors appearing faded or yellowed
- Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contacts
- Double vision in one eye
- Difficulty reading even with corrective lenses
Important: Cataracts cannot be treated with medication, eye drops, or glasses. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the clouded lens.
the procedure step-by-step
How Cataract Surgery Works
Modern cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 20 minutes per eye.
Our surgeons use state-of-the-art laser-assisted and phacoemulsification techniques to gently remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) — customized to your vision needs.
1. Pre-Operative Evaluation
A comprehensive eye exam and biometry measurements determine the precise IOL power needed to optimize your vision outcome.
2. Anesthesia
Numbing eye drops are used so you remain comfortable throughout. General anesthesia is not required. Affiliated Eye Surgeons pioneered no-injection cataract surgery in our region — no needles around the eye, ever.
3. Laser-Assisted Incision
A femtosecond laser creates precise, computer-guided incisions in the cornea and lens capsule for greater accuracy than manual technique alone.
4. Phacoemulsification
Ultrasound energy gently breaks up and removes the clouded lens through a micro-incision smaller than 3mm.
5. IOL implantation
Your chosen intraocular lens is carefully folded and inserted through the same tiny incision, where it unfolds and is positioned precisely behind the iris.
6. Recovery
Most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours. Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)
One of the most important decisions you'll make before cataract surgery is selecting the right replacement lens.
Your surgeon will discuss which option best fits your lifestyle, vision goals, and eye health. Click on each type to learn more.
Monofocal
Toric
Multifocal
Extended Depth of Focus
Monofocal IOLs (Standard)
The most commonly used lens. Monofocal IOLs provide sharp vision at one distance — typically distance vision. Most patients with monofocal lenses will still need reading glasses after surgery. These lenses are usually fully covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.
Toric IOLs (For Astigmatism)
Designed to correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, toric IOLs reduce or eliminate the irregular corneal curvature that causes blurry or distorted vision. Patients with astigmatism who choose a toric lens often need significantly less dependence on glasses post-operatively.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal lenses have multiple focal zones, allowing patients to see clearly at both distance and near without glasses for most activities. They are a premium lens option (not covered by insurance) and are ideal for patients who strongly wish to reduce their dependence on glasses after surgery.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs
EDOF lenses (such as the Vivity or Symfony) provide a continuous, extended range of vision from distance to intermediate — with less of the halos and glare sometimes associated with traditional multifocal lenses. A popular option for patients who spend significant time on computers or driving.
Which lens is right for me? Your surgeon will recommend the best IOL based on your eye measurements, lifestyle, and vision goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — that's why we spend significant time during your consultation discussing your options.
Why Patients Choose Affiliated Eye Surgeons for Cataract Care
Decades of Surgical Expertise
Our practice was founded by Dr. David Medford, a pioneer in no-injection cataract surgery and one of the first ophthalmologists in Northern New Jersey to perform
LASIK when it received FDA approval. That legacy of innovation continues with our current surgical team.
No-Injection Technique
We were among the first practices in the region to adopt topical anesthesia only — meaning no needles around the eye. This reduces discomfort, eliminates the small risks associated with injections, and shortens recovery time.
Advanced Laser Technology
We use femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for precise, reproducible incisions that improve surgical accuracy and outcomes — particularly important when implanting premium toric or multifocal lenses.
Full Spectrum of IOL Options
From standard monofocal lenses to the latest extended depth of focus and light-adjustable options, we offer the complete range of intraocular lenses so every patient can find the right fit for their vision goals and budget.
Three Convenient Locations
With offices in
Morristown,
West Orange, and
Denville, you can receive your pre-op evaluation, surgery, and all follow-up care close to home — no need to travel to a hospital or ambulatory surgery center far from where you live.
Same-Day Outpatient Procedure
Cataract surgery at Affiliated Eye Surgeons is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients return home within a few hours and notice improved vision the very next day.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery recovery is generally quick and comfortable. Here's what most patients experience:
Day One
Mild blurriness, light sensitivity, and some tearing are normal. Vision often begins to clear within 24 hours.
First Week
Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, and strenuous activity. Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed.
2-4 Weeks
Vision continues to stabilize. Most patients return to normal activities — including driving — within a few days to a week.
4-6 Weeks
Full visual recovery for most patients. A final glasses prescription (if needed) is typically given at this visit.
Both Eyes
If cataracts are present in both eyes, surgery is usually scheduled 1-2 weeks apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have cataracts?
Cataracts typically develop gradually, so many people don't notice them until they significantly affect vision. The most common signs include blurry or hazy vision, increased glare when driving at night, colors appearing washed out or yellowed, and difficulty reading even with updated glasses. The only way to confirm a cataract diagnosis is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation at any of our three Northern New Jersey locations.
When should I have cataract surgery?
There is no single right time to have cataract surgery — it depends on how much your cataracts are affecting your quality of life. If your vision impairment is interfering with driving, reading, working, or daily activities, and glasses or contacts are no longer providing adequate correction, it's generally time to consider surgery. Your ophthalmologist will assess the severity of your cataracts and discuss whether surgery is appropriate at your current stage.
Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
Standard cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans when it is deemed medically necessary. Premium lens upgrades — such as toric IOLs for astigmatism, multifocal lenses, or the Light Adjustable Lens — involve an out-of-pocket cost that insurance does not cover. Our team will review your coverage and provide a clear breakdown of any costs before your procedure.
How long does cataract surgery take?
The surgical procedure itself typically takes 15-20 minutes per eye. However, you should plan to be at the surgical facility for approximately 2-3 hours total to allow time for pre-operative preparation, the procedure, and a brief post-operative recovery period before you are cleared to go home with a driver.
Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the type of intraocular lens you choose. Patients with standard monofocal lenses typically still need reading glasses for near tasks. Patients who choose premium multifocal or EDOF lenses often have significantly reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses for most activities. Toric lenses can correct astigmatism, further reducing the need for distance glasses. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for each lens option during your consultation.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Once the natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, a true cataract cannot return. However, some patients experience posterior capsule opacification (PCO) — sometimes called a secondary cataract — where the thin membrane behind the IOL becomes cloudy months or years after surgery. PCO is easily and painlessly treated in the office with a quick laser procedure called a YAG capsulotomy, which takes only a few minutes and restores clear vision immediately.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is performed using numbing eye drops (topical anesthesia), so patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, we use a no-injection technique, meaning no needles are used around the eye. Most patients describe feeling only mild pressure or nothing at all. After surgery, some patients experience mild irritation, tearing, or light sensitivity for a day or two, which resolves quickly with prescribed eye drops.
Do you perform cataract surgery at all three locations?
Yes. Affiliated Eye Surgeons offers cataract evaluations at all three Northern New Jersey offices — Morristown, West Orange, and Denville. Surgical procedures are performed at a nearby accredited ambulatory surgery center. Your pre-operative exams and all follow-up appointments can be completed at whichever location is most convenient for you.
