Affiliated Eye Surgeons | LASER VISION CORRECTION
LASIK & Laser Vision Correction in Northern New Jersey
Custom
LASIK and PRK procedures from
surgeons who have been performing laser vision correction since its FDA approval — at
three convenient locations in Morris and Essex counties.
See the World More Clearly — Without Glasses or Contacts
For millions of people, glasses and contact lenses are a daily inconvenience — and for many, LASIK laser vision correction offers a permanent solution. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, our board-certified ophthalmologists have been performing LASIK since it first received FDA approval, bringing decades of real-world surgical experience to every procedure.
We offer a full range of laser vision correction options — including custom
LASIK and PRK — tailored to each patient's unique eye anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle. If you've been wondering whether LASIK is right for you,
our team will give you an honest, thorough evaluation and walk you through every option available.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe, FDA-approved surgical procedure that permanently corrects common refractive errors — including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism — by precisely reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser.
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. When its curvature is irregular, light doesn't focus properly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision. LASIK corrects this by removing a precise amount of corneal tissue, allowing light to focus correctly and producing clear, sharp vision — typically without the need for glasses or contacts.
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures in the United States, with an established safety record spanning more than 25 years and over 20 million procedures performed.
Refractive errors that LASIK can correct:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) — difficulty seeing objects at a distance
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) — difficulty seeing objects up close
- Astigmatism — blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea
- Presbyopia — age-related near vision loss (certain premium procedures only)
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
Both LASIK and PRK use the same excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors — the difference is in how the corneal surface is prepared before the laser treatment.
LASIK
In LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The flap is gently lifted, the excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, and the flap is replaced. Most patients experience dramatically improved vision within 24 hours and return to normal activities within a few days.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
In PRK, the outer corneal surface (epithelium) is removed entirely rather than creating a flap. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea directly. The epithelium grows back naturally over several days. PRK has a slightly longer recovery — typically 3-5 days for initial healing, with full visual stabilization over 4-6 weeks — but produces equivalent long-term outcomes.
Who is PRK better suited for?
PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas, certain corneal surface irregularities, or active lifestyles that carry a risk of eye trauma (such as contact sports or military service).
Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your corneal thickness, prescription, pupil size, and overall eye health.
the procedure step-by-step
How LASIK Works
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye. Here's what to expect:
1. Pre-Operative Evaluation
Corneal mapping (topography) and wavefront analysis measure your cornea's exact shape, thickness, and refractive error. These measurements guide the precise laser treatment programmed for your eyes.
2. Anesthesia
Numbing eye drops are applied. No injections or general anesthesia are required. You remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Corneal Flap Creation
A femtosecond laser (bladeless technique) creates a precise, thin flap in the cornea. This takes approximately 20 seconds per eye.
4. Laser Reshaping
The excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue according to your custom treatment plan. The laser is programmed specifically for your prescription and corneal measurements.
5. Flap repositioning
The corneal flap is gently repositioned. It adheres naturally without stitches.
6. Recovery
Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within hours. The majority return to driving and normal activities within 1-2 days.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is not right for everyone — candidacy depends on several factors that your surgeon will evaluate during a thorough pre-operative consultation.
You may be a good LASIK candidate if you:
You may not be a LASIK candidate if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older (ideally 21+, when prescription has stabilized)
- Have had a stable glasses or contacts prescription for at least 1-2 years
- Have sufficient corneal thickness to allow safe laser reshaping
- Have no significant dry eye disease, corneal irregularities, or active eye conditions
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Have a prescription within the treatable range for LASIK
- Have keratoconus or irregular corneal shape (you may still be a candidate for other procedures)
- Have very thin corneas
- Have significant, untreated dry eye syndrome
- Have an unstable or rapidly changing prescription
- Have certain autoimmune or systemic conditions that affect healing
Not sure if you qualify? Many patients who aren't LASIK candidates are excellent candidates for PRK or other refractive procedures. The only way to know for certain is a comprehensive LASIK evaluation — available at all three Northern New Jersey locations.
Why Patients Choose Affiliated Eye Surgeons for LASIK
Among the First in the Region to Offer LASIK
Affiliated Eye Surgeons has been performing LASIK since it received FDA approval — making
our surgeons among the most experienced laser vision correction providers in
Northern New Jersey. This isn't a procedure we added recently; it's been central to our practice for decades.
Board-Certified Ophthalmologists — Not Technicians
At many LASIK centers, the evaluation and aftercare are handled by staff while a surgeon briefly performs the procedure. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, your care is managed by a
board-certified ophthalmologist from your first consultation through your final follow-up.
Custom Wavefront-Guided Treatment
We use advanced wavefront analysis and corneal topography to create a custom treatment map unique to your eyes — not a generic prescription correction. This technology treats not just your basic prescription but subtle optical imperfections that standard correction cannot address.
Honest Candidacy Evaluations
Not everyone is a LASIK candidate, and we believe in telling patients the truth. If LASIK isn't right for your eyes, we'll explain exactly why and discuss every alternative — PRK or refractive lens exchange — so you understand all of your options.
Three Convenient Locations
Pre-operative evaluations, the procedure itself, and all post-operative follow-up care are available across our three Northern New Jersey offices in Morristown, West Orange, and Denville.
What to Expect After LASIK
LASIK recovery is one of the fastest of any surgical procedure. Here's a typical timeline:
Day of Surgery
Vision is often noticeably improved within hours. Eyes may feel scratchy or irritated. Rest for the remainder of the day.
Day One
Most patients see well enough to drive and return to desk work. A follow-up exam is scheduled for this day.
First Week
Avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming, contact sports, and dusty environments. Use prescribed eye drops as directed.
1-4 Weeks
Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize. Mild fluctuation, glare, or halos around lights at night are common early on and typically resolve.
3 Months
Final visual outcome is typically achieved. A small percentage of patients may benefit from a LASIK enhancement.
Long-term
LASIK produces permanent changes to the cornea. For most patients under 40, the correction is stable for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Good LASIK candidates are generally adults over 18 with a stable glasses or contacts prescription, sufficient corneal thickness, no significant dry eye disease, and no corneal irregularities such as keratoconus. The only definitive way to determine candidacy is a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation that includes corneal topography and wavefront analysis. At Affiliated Eye Surgeons, we offer thorough LASIK consultations at all three Northern New Jersey locations — Morristown, West Orange, and Denville.
How long does LASIK last?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, so the correction itself is long-lasting. For most patients under 40, vision remains stable for decades. However, patients in their 40s and 50s may develop presbyopia (age-related loss of near focus), which is unrelated to the LASIK procedure and may eventually require reading glasses. In a small percentage of cases, a prescription change over time may warrant a LASIK enhancement procedure.
Does LASIK hurt?
LASIK is performed using numbing eye drops, so patients feel little to no pain during the procedure itself. Some patients describe a sensation of mild pressure when the corneal flap is created, but this is brief and not painful. After surgery, eyes may feel scratchy, watery, or sensitive to light for several hours — similar to the sensation of having an eyelash in the eye. These symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Both LASIK and PRK use the same excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. The difference is in technique: LASIK creates a thin flap in the corneal surface before laser treatment, resulting in faster recovery — most patients see clearly within 24 hours. PRK removes the outer corneal layer entirely, which grows back over several days, resulting in a slightly longer recovery. Both procedures produce equivalent long-term outcomes. PRK is often preferred for patients with thinner corneas or active lifestyles involving a risk of eye trauma.
How much does LASIK cost in New Jersey?
LASIK pricing varies based on the technology used, the complexity of your prescription, and whether a custom wavefront-guided treatment is performed. Because LASIK is an elective procedure, it is not covered by health insurance. However, many patients use FSA or HSA funds, and financing options are often available. Affiliated Eye Surgeons provides a complete, transparent cost breakdown during your consultation before any decisions are made.
What is the success rate of LASIK?
LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective surgical procedure. Studies consistently show that over 95% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and patient satisfaction rates exceed 96%. Serious complications are rare — the risk of significant vision loss from LASIK is lower than the risk of long-term contact lens wear.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes. LASIK effectively corrects astigmatism by reshaping the irregular curvature of the cornea. Modern custom wavefront-guided LASIK is particularly effective for astigmatism, as it maps the precise irregularities of your corneal surface and programs the laser treatment to address them specifically. Most patients with astigmatism achieve excellent results with LASIK, though candidacy still depends on corneal thickness and overall eye health.
How soon can I drive after LASIK?
Most LASIK patients can drive the day after surgery, provided their vision meets the legal standard for driving and they feel comfortable. You will need someone to drive you home on the day of the procedure. At your one-day post-operative visit, your surgeon will confirm your vision and clear you to drive if appropriate.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK has a strong safety record established over more than 25 years and over 20 million procedures worldwide. Serious complications are rare. The most common side effects — dry eye, nighttime glare, and halos — are typically temporary and resolve within weeks to months. Permanent vision loss from LASIK is extremely uncommon. Your surgeon will review your individual candidacy and risk factors during your pre-operative evaluation.
What happens if my vision changes after LASIK?
A small percentage of LASIK patients experience a gradual shift in prescription over time — particularly those with a high initial prescription. If this occurs, a LASIK enhancement may be possible depending on your remaining corneal thickness. Additionally, presbyopia — the natural age-related loss of near focus — may develop in patients in their 40s and beyond, which is separate from the original LASIK correction and can be addressed with reading glasses or other options.
