Advanced Treatment for Cataracts
Cataracts cloud your natural eye over time, undermining your vision.
Cataract surgery at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey can restore your clear vision and significantly enhance your quality of life.
Our ophthalmology team can accurately diagnose and effectively treat cataracts at our Morristown and Hackettstown, NJ, offices...
What Are Cataracts?
The lens of the eye is a clear structure that receives and focuses light so that you can see properly. When proteins begin to develop in the lens, they can clump together and prevent light from properly reaching your retina. This clouding of the natural lens is known as a cataract.
Patients with cataracts can experience:
- Blurry vision
- Poor night vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty reading without light
- Halos
- Faded colors in vision
- Double vision
Depending on how advanced the condition is, cataracts may be a mild annoyance or a major impediment to daily life.
What the World Looks Like with Cataracts
Cataract Treatment
What does it mean to have a cataract?
Who Gets Cataracts? Risk Factors That Increase Your Chance of Cataracts
Aging is the number one risk factor for cataract development, but patients who suffer from the following conditions may also be at an increased risk of cataracts:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Injury to the eye
- Previous eye surgery
- Prolonged use of certain medications
- Other ocular conditions
The following lifestyle choices may also be risk factors for cataracts:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Why Choose Us for Your Cataract Surgery
When undergoing any type of ophthalmology procedure including cataract surgery, you need to find a practice with the right technology and the right team. Here are some advantages to choosing our ophthalmology practice for your upcoming cataract procedure:
Our ophthalmologist uses the latest technology when planning and performing your procedure. We use 3-D optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to create a detailed model of your eye during planning. We also use the Alcon LenSx® femtosecond laser to perform bladeless surgery. Our advanced technology makes surgery more precise, efficient, and safe compared to traditional techniques.
When you undergo surgery at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey, you won't have to visit a hospital for your procedure. We have a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center at our Morristown location. This facility is reserved for our surgeon, and we follow all COVID precautions to ensure your safety and comfort.
Dr. Sean Lalin, Dr. Kruti Shah, and the rest of our ophthalmology team are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. Dr. Lalin has been recognized as one of America's Top Ophthalmologists and is a member of several leading ophthalmology organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Highly Rated by Patients
Our team works hard to ensure that you feel comfortable, informed, and well cared for during your cataract surgery. We put patients first, and it shows in our reviews. To date, Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey in Hackettstown, NJ, and Morristown, NJ, have received over 400 reviews on Solutionreach. Most of our patients give us five stars.
"I had an excellent experience at my eye check up. I am preparing for cataract surgery and had all of my questions answered to the level that I feel very comfortable that I am in good hands. Everyone in the office has been more than cooperative and helpful along the way. This is very much appreciated." Donna F.
Find Out If Cataract Surgery
Is Right for You
Schedule an Exam Today
Cataracts can blur and obscure your eyesight and interfere with your quality of life. If you are experiencing impaired vision because of cataracts, our ophthalmologist can perform an accurate diagnosis and provide effective treatment with advanced laser surgery. Contact our practice online today to schedule a personal consultation or call us:
(973) 871-2020
Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
Modern cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment to improve your vision and in some cases can minimize the need for glasses after surgery.
We understand that cataract surgery can seem scary, so we do our best to maintain a warm, inviting setting that allows patients to feel completely comfortable whether they are coming in for a consultation or a surgical procedure.
Additionally, we use enhanced technology to make our procedures as safe as possible.
Laser Cataract Surgery with Dr. Sean Lalin
Listen to Joyce's story of her experience with cataract surgery... 20/20 vision the very next day!
Comfortable Care from Our Team
"I was awake through both surgeries, both eyes, and I had absolutely no pain at all. When people ask me about my surgery and about Dr. Lalin, I say...he's a great doctor, he's very compassionate. You can ask him anything. He listens well, and I highly recommend him." Joyce B.
Take a Look at Our Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery Using the Femtosecond Laser
Unlike other surgeons, who perform cataract surgery using a thin blade, Dr. Lalin uses the Alcon LenSx femtosecond laser system to perform bladeless cataract surgery. This laser has been used in over two million cataract surgeries and is one of the most popular brands of lasers used in ophthalmology procedures. Equipped with OCT scanning technology, this laser allows Dr. Lalin to create highly detailed, highly customized treatment plans.
Although cataract surgery is incredibly safe, our laser technology helps make it even more precise and safe for our patients. Laser technology allows us to create more precise incisions on the eye lens, which can reduce your risk of side effects like visual distortions and ensure that your intraocular lens (IOL) stays in place after the procedure.
The laser uses precise pulses of light to break up and remove affected lenses without the need for a blade. This bladeless technique offers several benefits over the traditional technique for patients at our practice:
- Less time in the operating room
- Faster healing
- No need for stitches
- Fewer side effects
- Precise programming of every detail of each incision in the lens
- Better automation of the most challenging steps of surgery
- Reduced risk of ocular damage
- Highly detailed 3-D imaging of the eye that can be used during planning and surgery
The Alcon LenSx laser system is also equipped with OCT scanning capabilities, allowing it to achieve precise surgical outcomes that are almost impossible to achieve with traditional techniques.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
The cost of cataract surgery varies from patient to patient and will depend on whether you need one or both eyes treated, which type of IOL you choose, which type of surgery you undergo (laser-assisted or traditional), and other factors.
Because cataract surgery is considered a medical necessity, it is usually covered by insurance. For most patients at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey, the out-of-pocket cost ranges from $1,950 to $3,950 per eye. Your out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on your insurance and the overall cost of your surgery.
Receive a Quote Today Contact Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey
The best way to receive an accurate quote is to schedule a consultation at Retina & Eye Specialists of New Jersey. After meeting you, examining your eyes, and learning more about your goals, we can design a custom treatment plan and deliver a custom quote. Send us a message or call us at (973) 871-2020 to schedule.
Paying for Your Procedure
We understand that eye surgery can be expensive and that most patients don't budget for cataract surgery. However, we believe that everyone deserves to have clear vision and enjoy life to the fullest.
To make cataract surgery affordable on any budget, we accept insurance and offer various financing options for out-of-pocket costs.
CareCredit
CareCredit® is a trusted healthcare financing company that can help you cover out-of-pocket costs with a budget-friendly payment plan.
Credit Cards
In addition to cash and checks, our practice also accepts most major credit cards.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
During a regular eye examination, we will discuss any symptoms and concerns about your vision and assess your eyes for signs of cataracts. To diagnose this condition, we may:
- Inspect your eyes using special instruments: In some cases, cataracts can be spotted by examining different areas of your eyes.
- Measure visual acuity by having you read from a Snellen eye chart: This allows doctors to determine your optical prescription and the degree to which cataracts may be interfering with your eyesight.
- Conduct a retinal exam: We may administer medicated eye drops to dilate your pupils before using a magnifying lens to get a closer look at the retina.
- Perform a slit lamp examination: This involves shining a plane of bright light through your eye to illuminate abnormalities in your lens, cornea, and iris.
If you are diagnosed with cataracts, our team of doctors can create a customized treatment plan to suit your needs.
A Slit Lamp Exam Can Illuminate Potential Cataracts
Ready to Schedule Your Cataract Screening? Contact One of Our Two Locations
Another 5-Star Review from a Cataract Patient
"When it comes to your eyes skill and trust a very important attribute.. both are in abundance to this office.. Will be visiting office many times, having my cataract surgery done by Dr. Sean..."
Robert D.
Choosing the Right IOL for Your Needs
During cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (or IOL). An IOL is a tiny artificial lens that replaces your clouded lens and helps you see clearly.
There are many different types of IOLs, each of with its own advantages. Which type of IOL is right for you? That depends on your eyes, the quality of your vision, and your unique lifestyle. To determine the right IOL for you, our ophthalmology team will use the most advanced technology to measure the eyes and determine the correct lens power.
At our Hackettstown, NJ, and Morristown, NJ, locations, we have many types of IOLs available, including:
Monofocal Lenses
Monofocal lenses, also known as standard IOLs, allow your eyes to focus on either near-distance or long-distance objects - but not both. Because monofocal lenses only allow you to see clearly at one distance, you may still need to wear eyeglasses or lenses after your procedure to perform certain tasks like reading or driving.
Astigmatism Lenses
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by a misshapen cornea or lens. If you suffer from astigmatism or another condition that affects the eye shape, our ophthalmologist can replace your lens with a special toric lens. We can also use our laser to place special incisions called limbal relaxing incisions on the tissue that rests between the cornea and the sclera. These incisions cause the cornea to become more rounded, alleviating the symptoms of astigmatism.
Lifestyle Lenses
Active lifestyle lenses, also known as premium IOLs or multifocal lenses, are designed to help you see clearly at any distance, both near and far. We use popular brands including the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL and the Acrysof® IQ Vivity® IOL. Lifestyle IOLs can also help correct presbyopia (age-related vision loss).
In many cases, choosing the right IOL for your needs can help you reduce or eliminate your need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Preparing for Your Procedure
After diagnosing your condition and determining that cataract surgery is right for you, our team will schedule your surgery at our on-site, fully accredited surgery center. We will schedule a pre-operative phone call with one of our team members to ensure that you are ready on the day of surgery.
You will need to fast before your procedure and you will need to arrange for another adult to drive you home. We also prefer that our patients have someone who can stay with them for the first 24 hours after their surgery.
On the morning of your procedure, you should wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes on the way home.
What to Expect during Cataract Surgery
Most procedures are completed in two to three hours. Here is what you can expect from start to finish:
While the Procedure May Look Scary, It is Perfectly Safe
Highly Recommended
"Staff is courteous, friendly and professional. They make sure you understand each step of the procedure and that you are comfortable throughout. I would highly recommend the Retina & Eye Specialists of NJ."
Donna W.
What to Expect after Your Surgery
Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure the safety and success of your surgery.
During recovery, it is common to experience blurred vision, sensitivity, and eye redness, but these symptoms should resolve with time. We will schedule follow-up appointments one day, one week, one month, and three months after your surgery to ensure that you are healing correctly.
Most patients are fully healed within eight weeks.
Clearer Vision Is a Click or Call Away
Cataract surgery by Dr. Lalin can eliminate uncomfortable symptoms such as blurry vision and help you achieve clearer vision so that you can live life to the fullest again.
To talk to one of our team members about cataract surgery and its many benefits, request an appointment online or call one of our offices.
Hackettstown, NJ: (973) 871-2020
Morristown, NJ: (973) 871-2020
More Reviews
"Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, modern diagnostic equipment, staff reduced my normal anxiety related to my doctors visits."
Luis P.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cataracts & Cataract Surgery
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
After cataract surgery, your vision will begin improving in a few days. You may experience symptoms such as itching and other forms of mild discomfort while your eye heals, but these should go away within a few days. We will monitor your progress during your post-op appointments. Most patients are fully healed within eight weeks.
How painful is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is not painful, and our team does everything we can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. To begin, we will administer local anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye, so you shouldn't feel any pain during surgery. We can also provide sedation to help you relax. This will keep you awake during the procedure, but help you feel calm.
Are there any do's and don'ts following cataract surgery?
During the few weeks after your surgery, take your prescribed medications and eye drops, rest for the first few days, and use sunglasses or an eye shield to protect your eyes. Don't rub your eyes (even if they feel itchy), swim, drive, or wear eye makeup until you are cleared to do so by our ophthalmologist.
Does cataract surgery give you 20/20 vision?
In some cases, yes. In addition to replacing a cloudy lens, an IOL can help improve your vision. Some patients can even stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses after their cataract surgeries. However, the chances that you won't need corrective eyewear are better if you choose a multifocal lens, which allows you to focus at different distances. If you choose a monofocal lens, there is a chance that you will still need to wear glasses for certain tasks. If you still need glasses after your procedure, you can come back to our practice one to three months after surgery to receive your new prescription once your eyes are healed.
