The Cataract Specialists

Doctor Stephen Lichtenstein has specialized in cataract surgery, high risk cataract surgery and the management of complications since 1979. He was joined in practice by Dr. Richard Tipperman in 1990 and together they have performed almost 40,000 cataract operations, the most in the Delaware Valley. Our preeminent position has in fact made us the first practice in the region to have access to new technology from the standpoint of increased accuracy in measurements and state-of-the art surgical equipment. This allows us to minimize risk and maximize outcomes.

Our success comes from treating each patient as an individual. WE LISTEN CAREFULLY before making recommendations with regard to the indications and timing of surgery as well as navigating the many advances in technology to determine what is best for you.

Indications For Cataract Surgery

Cataracts usually get worse slowly and they do not damage an eye. The presence of a cataract does not mean you “need” surgery. The decision should be based on how the cataract affects your lifestyle and activities of daily living. Do you live alone? Are you still working? Do you drive? Do you drive at night? Are you a big reader? What are your hobbies? The answers to all these questions and more should determine if a recommendation to have cataract surgery is indicated. You get a vote too!

Cataract progression is often asymmetrical with one eye seeing worse than the other. Ideally you want the “worse” eye operated while the “better” eye is good so there is no effect on your independence. If both cataracts progress at the same rate it is often not recognized because when you compare eyes there is very little difference but at some point you will have two mediocre eyes and surgery is indicated to preserve independence before further cataract progression occurs, even though you may not have a “bad” eye.

We will give you our opinion as to the best course of action but everyone has the option of waiting until their vision gets worse.

The Decision To Proceed With Surgery Is Only Half The Decision!

When you are ready to schedule cataract surgery we will have a discussion about goals and expectations: ours and yours! Every patient has an intraocular lens placed at the time the cataract is removed. Are you OK wearing glasses? Do you want to see distance or read without glasses? Do you want to try to eliminate your need for glasses most or all of the time? How do we get both eyes to work together? This discussion determines the type of intraocular lens you will be offered (monofocal, toric, accommodating or multifocal) and whether astigmatism is present and needs to be addressed. Laser refractive cataract surgery with its increased precision and control can be customized to your eye. WE MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE AND CHOICES.