AFFILIATED EYE SURGEONS | COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Northern New Jersey
A thorough dilated eye exam does far more than update your glasses prescription. It screens for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and dozens of other conditions — many of which have no early symptoms. Our
board-certified ophthalmologists provide complete eye care for patients of all ages at three convenient Northern New Jersey
locations.
More Than a Glasses Prescription
Many people think of an eye exam as something they schedule when their vision gets blurry or when they need a new glasses prescription. But a comprehensive dilated eye exam performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist is one of the most important preventive health appointments you can make — regardless of how well you think you are seeing.
Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, causes no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Early diabetic retinopathy is completely silent. Age-related macular degeneration begins long before central vision is affected. The only way to detect these conditions — and protect vision before it is lost — is a regular, thorough eye exam that includes dilation.
At
Affiliated Eye Surgeons, our board-certified ophthalmologists have been providing comprehensive eye care across Morris and Essex counties for over 30 years. From routine annual exams to complex disease management,
we offer the full spectrum of eye care — and the depth of expertise to identify and address whatever we find.
What Does a Comprehensive Eye Exam Include?
A comprehensive eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist is a full medical examination of the visual system and eye health. Unlike a quick vision screening or a brief refraction for glasses, a comprehensive exam systematically evaluates every component of the eye — from the tear film on the surface to the optic nerve at the back — and assesses the visual system as a whole.
At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, a comprehensive eye exam includes:
- Medical history and symptom review — we discuss your current vision concerns, medications, family history of eye disease, and any systemic conditions that affect eye health (diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders).
- Visual acuity testing — distance and near vision are measured using a standard eye chart to establish a baseline and identify any change from prior visits.
- Refraction — a series of lens choices determines your precise glasses prescription for the clearest possible vision.
- Eye muscle and coordination testing — evaluates how well the eyes work together and track moving objects. Identifies strabismus (eye turn), convergence insufficiency, and other binocular vision problems.
- Pupil evaluation — assesses how the pupils respond to light, which can reveal neurological issues or optic nerve abnormalities.
- Slit lamp examination — a high-magnification microscope is used to examine the eyelids, tear film, cornea, iris, and lens in detail. Identifies cataracts, corneal disease, dry eye, keratoconus, and other anterior segment conditions.
- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry) — measures the fluid pressure inside the eye. Elevated IOP is the primary risk factor for glaucoma.
- Dilated fundus examination — after pupil-dilating drops are instilled, the ophthalmologist examines the retina, macula, blood vessels, and optic nerve in full detail. This is the most critical component for detecting serious eye diseases and cannot be replaced by non-dilated examination alone.
- Additional testing as indicated — visual field testing, OCT imaging, corneal topography, color vision testing, and other specialized tests are added based on findings and risk factors.
Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist: What's the Difference?
Both ophthalmologists and optometrists perform eye exams, and both have an important role in eye care. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Ophthalmologist (MD or DO)
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who completed four years of medical school, a year of internship, and at least three years of ophthalmology residency — plus often one or more fellowship years in a subspecialty (cornea, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics). Ophthalmologists are licensed to perform surgery, manage all eye diseases medically and surgically, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
Choosing an ophthalmologist for your comprehensive eye exam means that if a serious condition is detected — cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus, macular degeneration — you are already in the hands of the specialist who can manage it. There is no referral delay, no transfer of records, no starting over with a new provider.
Optometrist (OD)
An optometrist has completed a four-year optometry degree and is trained to perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and in most states diagnose and treat common eye conditions with medications. Optometrists play a vital role in primary eye care and co-management of surgical patients. For patients with complex surgical needs or advanced eye disease, referral to an ophthalmologist is appropriate.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
The right exam frequency depends on your age, overall health, and individual risk factors. Here are the general guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
Adults with No Eye Disease or Risk Factors
- Ages 20-39: A baseline comprehensive exam by age 40; earlier if any symptoms or risk factors arise.
- Ages 40-54: Every 1 to 2 years.
- Ages 55-64: Every 1 to 3 years.
- Age 65 and older: Every 1 to 2 years.
Adults Who Should Have Annual Exams
- People with diabetes — annually starting at diagnosis
- Known glaucoma or ocular hypertension — every 3 to 6 months
- Family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration
- High myopia (nearsightedness greater than -6.00)
- African American adults over age 40 (elevated glaucoma risk)
- High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease (affects retinal vessels)
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome)
- Long-term use of medications that can affect the eyes (hydroxychloroquine, steroids, certain psychiatric medications)
Children
Vision screening in the newborn nursery and at every pediatric well-visit. A comprehensive eye exam is recommended before starting school (around age 5). Children with failed screenings, family history of amblyopia or strabismus, or signs of visual problems should be seen earlier. Myopia progression monitoring is increasingly important for school-age children.
What We Look for During Your Exam
A comprehensive eye exam at
Affiliated Eye Surgeons screens for conditions across the entire eye — many of which patients have no awareness of until they are detected during examination. Here is what we evaluate:
Refractive Errors
Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related reading difficulty). We provide updated glasses and contact lens prescriptions and can discuss surgical correction options (LASIK, PRK) for appropriate candidates.
Clouding of the eye's natural lens. We assess severity and help you understand when surgery is appropriate and what your lens options are.
Elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve changes, and visual field defects. OCT nerve fiber layer imaging and visual field testing are added when indicated.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema
Essential annual screening for all patients with diabetes, including OCT macula imaging.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Early drusen deposits and pigmentary changes in the macula that indicate elevated risk of vision-threatening AMD.
Tear film instability, meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneal surface staining.
Keratoconus and Corneal irregularities
Detected on slit lamp examination; corneal topography is added when indicated.
Retinal holes, Tears, and Lattice Degeneration
Peripheral retinal findings that may require prophylactic laser treatment to prevent retinal detachment.
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Signs of elevated blood pressure visible in the retinal blood vessels, sometimes the first indication of uncontrolled hypertension.
Strabismus and Binocular Vision Disorders
Eye misalignment and coordination problems that affect visual function and quality of life.
Why Choose Affiliated Eye Surgeons for Your Eye Exam?
Board-Certified Ophthalmologists — Not Just Vision Technicians
Every comprehensive eye exam at Affiliated Eye Surgeons is performed by a
board-certified ophthalmologist — a physician with full medical and surgical training. This means that when something is found during your exam, you are already with the specialist qualified to manage it. No referrals to navigate, no waiting for appointments elsewhere, no starting your care over with someone new.
30+ Years Serving Morris and Essex Counties
Affiliated Eye Surgeons has been the trusted eye care destination for patients across Northern New Jersey for over three decades. Many of our patients have been with us for years — some for their entire adult lives. That continuity of care means we know your eye history, your risk factors, and your baseline — and can detect subtle changes that a new provider would miss.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We use OCT imaging, corneal topography, visual field testing, and fundus photography — not just a slit lamp and an eye chart. When something needs a closer look, we have the tools to look closer, right here at the time of your exam.
Full Spectrum of Eye Care Under One Roof
If your exam reveals
cataracts,
glaucoma,
diabetic retinopathy,
dry eye,
keratoconus, or
any other condition, we have the
specialists and the treatment capabilities to manage it — from prescription drops and specialty contact lenses to laser treatment and surgery. Your care stays within one trusted practice.
Optical Dispensary On-Site
All three of our
locations have on-site optical dispensaries where you can fill your glasses prescription the same day — with a curated selection of frames chosen to match your prescription needs and personal style.
Three Convenient Northern New Jersey Locations
We make it easy to stay on schedule with your annual eye care. With offices in
Morristown,
West Orange, and
Denville — each fully equipped and staffed by our ophthalmology team — your exam is never far from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completed four years of medical school, a year of internship, and at least three years of ophthalmology residency — plus often fellowship training in a subspecialty. Ophthalmologists can perform surgery, diagnose and treat all eye diseases, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. An optometrist (OD) completed a four-year optometry degree and is trained to perform eye exams and prescribe glasses, contacts, and in most states medications for common eye conditions. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, every comprehensive eye exam is performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist — meaning if a condition is detected, you are already with the specialist who can treat it.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
Adults with no eye disease or significant risk factors should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40, and annually from age 55 onward. Adults with risk factors — diabetes, family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, high myopia, or known eye conditions — should have annual exams or follow the monitoring schedule recommended by their ophthalmologist. Children should have their first comprehensive exam before starting school. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all adults have a baseline comprehensive exam by age 40 even if they have no symptoms.
What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist includes review of your medical and ocular history, visual acuity testing, refraction for your glasses prescription, eye muscle and coordination testing, pupil evaluation, slit lamp examination of the cornea and lens, intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma screening, and a dilated examination of the retina, macula, and optic nerve. Additional tests — OCT imaging, visual fields, corneal topography — are added based on your findings and risk factors. Plan for 45 to 90 minutes total including dilation time.
What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist includes review of your medical and ocular history, visual acuity testing, refraction for your glasses prescription, eye muscle and coordination testing, pupil evaluation, slit lamp examination of the cornea and lens, intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma screening, and a dilated examination of the retina, macula, and optic nerve. Additional tests — OCT imaging, visual fields, corneal topography — are added based on your findings and risk factors. Plan for 45 to 90 minutes total including dilation time.
Is a dilated eye exam necessary?
Yes — dilation is essential for a complete examination. Without dilating drops, the ophthalmologist can only see the central portion of the retina. With dilation, the entire retina, peripheral vessels, optic nerve, and macula are visible in full detail. Many serious conditions — including early diabetic retinopathy, glaucomatous optic nerve changes, retinal holes or tears, and early macular degeneration — can only be detected reliably through a dilated exam. Dilation causes temporary light sensitivity and blurry near vision for 3 to 4 hours and is very well tolerated by most patients.
What eye diseases can be detected during a routine eye exam?
A comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, retinal holes and tears, hypertensive retinopathy, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and many other conditions. Many systemic diseases — including high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, and autoimmune conditions — also leave detectable signs in the eye during examination. This is part of why comprehensive eye exams matter even when your vision feels completely normal.
Does insurance cover comprehensive eye exams?
Coverage depends on your insurance and the reason for the exam. Medical insurance (including Medicare and most health plans) covers medically necessary eye exams — for symptoms or known eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataracts. Routine vision exams for glasses or contact lens prescriptions are typically covered by vision insurance plans (VSP, EyeMed, etc.). Many patients have both types of coverage. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit and explains what will be covered and what, if anything, you will owe.
At what age should children have their first eye exam?
Vision screening should occur at every pediatric well-visit from birth onward. A comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist is recommended before starting school — around age 5. Children who fail a vision screening, have a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), or significant refractive errors, or who show signs of visual difficulty should be seen sooner. Early detection of amblyopia is critical — treatment is most effective before age 7 to 9.
What should I bring to my eye exam appointment?
Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses, and a lens case and backup glasses if your eyes will be dilated. Bring a complete list of all current medications including eye drops, since many medications affect eye health and some require monitoring. Bring your insurance cards — both medical and vision if you have both. If you have had eye exams or surgery elsewhere, prior records are helpful. If you are having dilation, consider arranging a driver or planning not to drive or do close work for 3 to 4 hours after your appointment.
