June marks Cataract Awareness Month, an important part of Canada’s Eye Health Month initiative. Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, but they are also highly treatable. Raising awareness about early signs, diagnosis, and treatment options helps patients take proactive steps to protect their long-term vision.
In Port Alberni, British Columbia, Valley Vision Optometry continues to be a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care. Under the leadership of Dr. Shaun Golemba and Dr. Morgan Jackson, the clinic is committed to preventing avoidable vision loss through advanced diagnostic technology and personalized patient care. Tools such as the BeyondSight Assessment allow for earlier detection of conditions like cataracts, helping patients make informed decisions about their eye health sooner.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, reducing the clarity of vision. This clouding prevents light from properly focusing on the retina, leading to gradual vision changes over time. While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can also develop due to factors such as diabetes, eye trauma, prolonged UV exposure, or certain medications.
Because cataracts progress slowly, early symptoms are often subtle and easy to overlook.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
Patients may experience:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Halos around lights
- Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contacts
- Fading or yellowing of colors
These symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging, which is why routine eye examinations are essential for early detection.
The Importance of a Pre-Cataract Workup
At Valley Vision Optometry, the pre-cataract workup provides a more detailed assessment than a standard eye exam. This evaluation may include measurements of visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, glare tolerance, and night vision performance.
This deeper level of testing helps Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson identify how cataracts are affecting daily function and allows for more personalized treatment planning. In many cases, early identification also gives patients more time to understand their options before surgical referral becomes necessary.
How Cataract Treatment Has Advanced
Cataract treatment has evolved dramatically over the past century. Early methods were limited and often ineffective, but modern surgical techniques have transformed outcomes for patients.
Today, cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed worldwide. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), often completed as an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Not all cataracts require immediate surgery. In early stages, vision changes may be managed with updated prescriptions, improved lighting, or anti-glare lens options.
Surgery is typically recommended when cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Modern IOL options include the following:
- Monofocal lenses – clear vision at one distance
- Multifocal lenses – vision at multiple distances
- Toric lenses – correction for astigmatism
Dr. Golemba and Dr. Jackson work closely with patients to help them understand their options and coordinate referrals when surgery becomes appropriate.
Risk Factors and Prevention
While cataracts cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may help slow their progression:
- Wearing UV-protective sunglasses
- Maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
- Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams
Preventative care remains a key focus at Valley Vision Optometry, where early detection plays an important role in preserving long-term vision health.
Why Cataract Awareness Month Matters in 2026
More than 2.5 million Canadians are currently living with cataracts, and that number continues to rise as the population ages. Awareness initiatives like Cataract Awareness Month are essential for encouraging early detection and timely treatment—both of which significantly improve visual outcomes and quality of life.
Valley Vision Optometry is proud to support this initiative through advanced diagnostics like the BeyondSight Assessment and a strong focus on preventative, patient-centered care.
Take Action This June
Cataract Awareness Month is a timely reminder to prioritize your vision health. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or are simply due for a routine checkup, now is an ideal time to book an eye exam.
Consider taking the following steps:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam or BeyondSight Assessment
- Encourage family members, especially older adults, to get tested
- Share awareness about cataracts within your community
- Protect your eyes with proper UV-blocking sunglasses
Cataracts are common—but vision loss from them does not have to be.
If you are due for an eye exam or have concerns about your vision, contact Valley Vision Optometry at 250-724-0933 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Golemba or Dr. Jackson and learn more about protecting your long-term eye health.