Atlantic Medical Eye Care

04/08/2022

Autism Awareness Month

​Autism is a disorder characterized by challenges in communication, socialization, learning, behavior, and the appropriate use of play or leisure time. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and as such, there is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning. Some individuals with autism can communicate quite well, but I am often asked how I can determine visual acuity for someone who cannot respond to a question frequently asked during eye exams: “Better at 1 or 2?” An Ophthalmologist or Eye MD might start by noting whether a patient can fixate on an entertaining object. An autorefractor machine might also be utilized as a starting point. Another exam known as a cycloplegic refraction is helpful because it avoids any chance for the patient to accommodate and doesn’t require the person to communicate what or how well they can see. There are some ways you can make an eye examination easier for your loved one with Autism. To minimize waiting time, you can fill out all of the paperwork in advance utilizing our online portal and request the first appointment of the day or the first appointment after lunch. If a school or behavioral therapy program is available to you, it may be helpful to ask if the teachers can practice by doing a mock examination or if they can come with you to the appointment. If there are snacks, toys, or tokens that are reinforcing, bring those along and use them as you would in a therapeutic setting. Wait until the Ophthalmologist is ready to begin the examination to have the child or adult with Autism sit in the exam chair, and give them short breaks if necessary.
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Dr. Robert Scharfman is committed to excellence in patient care and compassion. Atlantic Medical Eye Care has served the community for over 25 years. For more information call (732) 607-0555 or visit

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care our focus is on YOU! Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert M. Scharfman specializes in treating cataracts, glaucoma, and providing comprehensive eye care. Serving Old Bridge, Sayreville, East Brunswick and the surrounding area.

02/24/2022

With so many people working from home and students learning virtually, we are hearing more and more about Digital Related Eye Strain. Symptoms include, tired, achy eyes, dry eyes, and blurry vision. There are a number of ways to alleviate the symptoms. One way is to employ the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. For more assistance with this and all your eyecare needs, call us at (732) 607-0555. To learn more about Dr. Scharfman and read about a variety of topics visit

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care our focus is on YOU! Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert M. Scharfman specializes in treating cataracts, glaucoma, and providing comprehensive eye care. Serving Old Bridge, Sayreville, East Brunswick and the surrounding area.

01/22/2022

There are many causes of dry eye. Cold dry weather may increase symptoms which include pain, burning, irritation, and blurry vision. Strangely, you may find that your eyes tear more when dry. Unfortunately, these tears aren’t helpful because they have a different composition than normal tear film which consists of an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucus layer. If excessive tearing and dry eyes are bothering you see your eye doctor. For more information or to make an appointment call our office at (732) 607-0555 or visit our website at

At Atlantic Medical Eye Care our focus is on YOU! Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert M. Scharfman specializes in treating cataracts, glaucoma, and providing comprehensive eye care. Serving Old Bridge, Sayreville, East Brunswick and the surrounding area.

12/09/2021

Did you know that Ophthalmologist Robert Scharfman, MD and Optometrist Margi Shah, OD are Board Certified in their respective fields? For more information or to make an appointment call (732) 607-0555 or visit our website at www.rscharfmanmd.com.

11/30/2021

Did you know that Dr. Scharfman is Director of the Division of Ophthalmology at Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center? For more information or an appointment call (732) 607-0555. You can also visit www.rscharfmanmd.com to learn all about eyes and read our blogs. Happy learning!

11/03/2021

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens causing blurry vision. In order to fix the problem, an Ophthalmologist must remove the cataract and replace it with a synthetic lens.
In Laser-Assisted surgery, a device is placed over the eye to map its surface. It gathers information to program the laser with the exact location, size, and depth for the incision. It can also make the incision into the cornea, open up the capsule where the lens sits, and soften the cataract. You may have heard the term “Femtosecond” or “Femto.” These refer to the speed of the laser which is one quadrillionth of a second or one millionth of a billionth of a second. That’s fast!
After the laser has done its job, the cataract is removed, and the new intraocular lens or IOL is inserted into the eye. In contrast, when performing traditional cataract surgery, the initial incisions are done by hand with a scalpel (blade). In either case, the incision generally closes on its own without the need for stitches.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the correction of Astigmatism, a common imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision. For more information or to make an appointment call (732) 607-0555.

10/25/2021

How Can I Improve My Vision When Having Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. In order for an ophthalmologist to fix a cataract, it must be removed and replaced with a synthetic lens called an IOL or Intraocular lens. Basic single vision IOLs are covered by Medicare and other types of medical insurance. However, “premium” IOLs are available. They have advanced features that the basic IOLs don’t have. There is an additional cost to the patient, but many of our patients feel that the advantages of the premium lenses far outweigh the fee.
Toric IOLs correct astigmatism which basic IOLs cannot do. Accommodating IOLs expand the range of clear vision, whereas basic IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at a single focal point (usually far away for good driving vision). Multifocal IOLs can also decrease the need for reading glasses following cataract surgery. Our patients find that they gain distance vision while greatly reducing their need for reading glasses after cataract surgery with these premium IOLs. Sometimes the best visual outcome is achieved by choosing a different type of premium lens for each eye. One can also make one eye clear for distance and the other clear for reading. This is called Monovision. If all of this seems confusing, rest assured that Dr. Scharfman thoroughly explains each choice to help each individual patient make the most informed decision taking into account their medical history and lifestyle.

10/21/2021

Dr. Scharfman is proud to support Eden Autism.

10/21/2021

Most people have heard about cataracts, but did you ever wonder exactly what they are? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light or an image on the retina. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Light is then changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image is blurred. Cataracts are very common in older people. According to the National Eye Institute, by age eighty more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
There are several types of cataracts. A secondary cataract can form after surgery for another eye problem such as glaucoma. Diabetics may develop Cataracts. Cataracts have also been linked to steroid use. A traumatic cataract can develop after an eye injury. Babies are sometimes born with cataracts called congenital cataracts. Finally, cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation. Of course, the most common type of cataract occurs with age.
The symptoms of cataracts include: unclear or blurry vision, diminished color vision, glare with poor night vision, and sometimes double or multiple images in one eye. It is important to note that pain is not associated with cataracts. Cataracts tend to develop slowly, so that although they become thicker and may turn yellow or brown over time, some people don’t realize they have them until they see their eye doctor. The good news is that they can be fixed within minutes with outpatient surgery. In fact, the newest implantable lenses can restore distance and reading vision. Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and most other medical insurance plans.